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Africa Cup : Cycling Federation Splash 42,000 Euros (N17 million ) On Track Bikes

Published

6 years ago

July 14, 2019

The Gleamer

Africa Cup : Cycling Federation Splash 42,000 Euros (N17 million ) On Track Bikes

…As 10 countries indicates interest for the tourney in Abuja

Joel Ajayi

Ahead of the Africa Track Cycling Championship aka Africa Cup slated for Velodrome complex of the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja ,the Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN) has taken delivery of 40 track Cycles acquired at the cost of Euros 42,000 (17.1 million).

The amount we gathered include unit cost of the bikes brought differently in three batches of 10 or 11 bikes from Spain, Italy, Bulgaria and elsewhere , as well as cost for freighting and clearing at the port.

A highly placed source at the federation disclosed that the federation had to bend backwards to acquire the first class track equipment when it become obvious that the World Cycling body, the International Cycling Union, UCI was not forthcoming with their earlier promise to support the championship with track bikes.

And with little or financial support also coming from government, President of the federation Engr. Giadomenico Massari said the CFN is working with the stadium management to upgrade and maintain a large section of the Velodrome that has not been put to use since its construction about 16 years.

“As part of the preparation we are working with the stadium management to update some of the facilities at the Velodrome. Most of the offices and conference rooms had not been in use since the facility was constructed in 2003. We need to wash the tracks, cut grass that has taken over part of facility and maintain the lighting equipment. Lights have been fairly stable for sometime now but we cannot be sure, so were working with the stadium management on the possible use of the standby generators during the competition” States Engr. Massari.

Meanwhile, 10 countries have indicated interest to participate in the 2019 Africa Track Cup slated to hold at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

The event which would be hosted by the Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN) will take place from July 26 to July 28, 2019 and will feature over 100 participants in 18 events in the junior and elite categories.

President of CFN, Giandomenico Massari, said the event would feature young fashion designers that would make presentation on the sports and fashion.

According to him, we are expecting 18 countries to participate but so far only ten countries have indicated interest.

Also to grace the 2019 Africa Cup are former Italian cycling professionals like Mrs. Giorgia Bronzini, three times Untied Cycling International (UCI) World champion, Roberto Chiappa, two times UCI World champion and Andrea Tonti, former Italy National team member and other lieutenants of several UCI world champions.

The leadership of the Confederation of Africa Cycling (CAC), led by its president, Mohamed Azzam, would also be in Abuja, Nigeria for the cup.
The ten countries are: Guinea Conakry, Burkina Faso, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Benin, Nigeria, Burundi, Egypt and Morocco

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

6 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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