Connect with us

Featured

Africa Cup Track Cycling Light-Up FCT, Raises Hope For Nigerians

Published

on

 

…as Team Nigeria top medal table with 41 medals

Joel Ajayi

It was three days of excitement, delight, enjoyment inside the World-class Velodrome complex inside the Mohsood Abiola National Stadium in the Nigeria’s Capital City when for the first time in history for an unrelentingly Cycling first ever competition took place courtesy of the Cycling Federation of Nigeria having staged the maiden edition of the Africa Cup Track Cycling where athletes from 9 countries in the continent competed for honour.

Cycling lovers were treated to the stupor inside the Velodrome Complex for the first time since its construction 16 years ago, at the Africa Track Cycling Championship.

The arena was another serene and different experience to the sports lovers compare to what they use to in football, volleyball basketball amongst others when Cyclists from African countries through ride displayed their skills of distinction, value, and excellence to treat crowd comprises of diplomatic in an unforgettable experience.

Indeed, the 3-day power-packed action competition showed that Nigeria has the men and women that can launch her in the global arena.

With little or no financial support coming from the government, the Cycling federation under the leadership of Engr. Giandomenico Massari has demonstrated that the games of Cycling have a lot of opportunity for  Athletes, Nigerians and Africa, at large.

Meanwhile, the Cycling ring in FCT came alive with the arrival of eight Africa countries for the event which also serves as preparation for the forthcoming All Africa Games in Morocco.

The countries were the Host Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, Burkina Faso, Cote D’Ivoire, Benin Republic, Ghana, and Burundi.

After familiarization with facilities in at the Velodrome for some days hostilities eventually on Friday’s 26th of July 2019 started with needed eagerness.

On the first day, team Nigeria on Friday top the medal table with six gold, five silver and a bronze medal in the eight events that took place to mark the commencement of the championship.

Egypt followed with two gold medals, two silver, and three bronze in the championship.

However, on the last day of the event, the Team Nigeria topped the medals table with total 41 medals comprising 21 gold, 18 silver and 12 bronze medals in the overall result of the medals table.

Team Egypt won a total of four gold, six silver, and five bronze, while Burkina Faso won three silver, five bronze. Morocco won a total of four gold three silver.

Burundi won a total of two bronze medals and Ghana also won two bronze medals.

Speaking after three days of the event an ecstatic The President of Cycling Federation of Nigeria, Massari hailed the Nigerian athletes for putting up a superlative performance while commending his Board for ensuring a hitch-free organization of the event.

“My athletes have performed beyond expectation. Winning 21 gold medals with a short period of preparation is no little achievement by all standards. I am very happy and I am using this opportunity to thank Team Nigeria and my Board members for this great achievement. I am also grateful to the African body for having confidence in us to host this Championship.”

“It’s three days of excitement, of interesting and showcases the abundant talent  Nigeria did very well in fact, beyond any expectations, I remembered many people were asking before the competition that what will be the expectations. I told them to wait and watch, I was hopeful of the event and today we thank God we had a wonderful competition

“This event will no doubt give the opportunity to many Nigeria, we have many talents in Nigeria particularly for cycling, and we have more potential to achieve success.  Winning 20 gold medals it’s not an easy task.”

As for Nigeria Cyclist Abaka Kurotimi, said he was excited to see Nigeria hosting this championship, it will be a big slap on us to see other countries coming to pick medals in our territory.

“My target is to go for the Olympic and world championship and if I can get something better I will be grateful to God.  The Africa Cup is just a starting point.”

Speaking also Clementine A young from Ghana who won bronze for her country, while speaking on the championship, said she had never dreamt of winning a medal in the championship.

‘’I am very happy with this success it is like a dream come true. I’m sure that my country and the Cycling Federation of Ghana will be proud of me.”

Meanwhile, the competition may have come and gone but the euphoria of the competition remains in the memories lane of all stakeholders in the continent of Africa as Cycling promises to raise Nigerian hope.

 

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Featured

Enthusiasts Praise Ghana’s Meteoric Progress at African Games, Sport Minister Applauded for Visionary Leadership

Published

on

Ghana’s remarkable ascent in the African Games has sparked widespread acclaim from sports enthusiasts and stakeholders alike. The nation’s stunning leap from 15th place in the previous edition to an impressive 6th place in 2024 has captured the attention of the sports community, highlighting Ghana’s burgeoning potential and the transformative leadership of its Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mustapha Ussif.

Under Minister Ussif’s visionary leadership, Ghana’s sports industry has undergone a profound renaissance, marked by unprecedented achievements in grassroots development and infrastructure growth. The Minister’s strategic initiatives have not only revitalized the sporting landscape but have also positioned Ghana as a beacon of excellence on the African continent.

The recent success at the African Games is a testament to Ghana’s commitment to fostering talent at all levels. Through innovative programs and investments in youth development, Minister Ussif has cultivated a fertile environment for nurturing emerging athletes, paving the way for their seamless transition into senior sports teams.

Furthermore, Ghana’s hosting of the African Games in 2023 underscores the nation’s dedication to expanding its infrastructure base and solidifying its status as a regional sports hub. The prospect of hosting this prestigious event not only promises to elevate Ghana’s profile on the international stage but also presents unparalleled opportunities for economic growth and societal advancement.

Speaking on Ghana’s remarkable achievement, Minister Mustapha Ussif expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders and affirmed his commitment to further advancing the nation’s sports agenda.

He stated, “The remarkable progress we have witnessed at the African Games is a testament to the collective efforts of our athletes, coaches, administrators, and supporters. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together, and I am confident that Ghana’s journey to sporting excellence has only just begun.”

On the eve of the closing ceremony alone, Ghana clinched eight gold medals, winning the ultimate prize in women’s hockey, 200m men’s athletics event, high jump, men’s football event, and four boxing gold medals in boxing. All in one night.

Ghana also made history by becoming the first country to win god in both men’s and women’s football events at the Games.

The closing ceremony of the Games saw star performances from star acts such as Stonebwoy, Stanley Enow, Wiyaala, Innoss’B, amongst others.

As Ghana continues its upward trajectory in the realm of sports, the nation stands poised to achieve even greater milestones under the visionary leadership of President Nana Akufo-Addo and Sports minister, Mustapha Ussif.

Continue Reading

Trending

error

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)