Sports
NSC Chairman Urges Newly Elected Cycling Federation Board to Prioritize Grassroots Development
Joel Ajayi
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, has sworn in the newly elected President and Board members of the Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN), charging them to take the sport to the grassroots and make it more attractive to Nigerians.
The inauguration followed Sunday’s election, which produced a 17-member board to pilot the affairs of the Federation for the next four years.
In his remarks, on Monday in Abuja during the inaguration, Dikko congratulated the new leadership and emphasized the importance of grassroots sports development in discovering and nurturing young talents.
“On behalf of the NSC and President Bola Tinubu, I congratulate you on your election, and to remind you of the national agenda to reset and refocus on the development of sports in Nigeria.
“Your mandate is clear to transform cycling into a sport that inspires youth, engages communities, and represents Nigeria proudly at international competitions,” Dikko stated.
He urged the CFN to collaborate with stakeholders, attract private sector investment, and maintain transparency in its operations. He further assured that the Commission would not interfere in the running of any Federation but would continue to provide the necessary support for sports development.
“Cycling already has some of the best facilities. It is now important to maximize them for the benefit of Nigerians. We must also make the sport attractive to investors,” he added.
In his remarked, the CFN President, Engr. Chief Giandomenico Massari, pledged to work tirelessly to expand opportunities for young cyclists across the country, stressing that his administration would be driven by strategic planning and stakeholder collaboration.
Highlighting recent milestones, Massari recalled that Nigeria has in recent years won several medals at continental level, particularly in the female category, secured World Championship qualifications in both track and road events, and made history by participating in the Olympics for the first time.
He however acknowledged the challenges facing the male category, noting that while the athletes are talented, the performance gap remains wide compared to continental rivals.
“With more dedication and investment, we will bridge the gap. For the women, we have already recorded significant milestones, including Olympic qualification,” he said.
Looking ahead, Massari announced that Nigeria has been awarded the hosting rights for the African Track Championship next year.
He added that once the Abuja velodrome is fully certified by the UCI, the country would also be positioned to host international cycling competitions beyond Africa.
The newly elected CFN board members include:Chief Giandomenico Massari – President, Dr. Ago Habu Abdurahaman – 1st Vice President, Dr. Amidu James Iye Mohammed – 2nd Vice President, Dr. Igbinosa Emmanuel – Member, Mohammed Bashir – Member
Others are Veteran Journalist Mr. Patrick Omorodion – Member, DCI Farouk Umar Abdullahi – Member, Brig. Gen. A.R. Bello – Member, Miss Sally Ogana – Member, Mr. Ajibike Julius Babatunde – Member, Hon. Sulaiman Ahmed Muduru Member, Mr. Amike Henrry Ochupekhai Member, Mrs Angela Okoro Member, Mrs. Rahab Kaze Member, Miss Tawakalt Omotayo Yeekeen Member, Miss Sally Ogene Member.
Sports
Nigeria Jets Out Tuesday for 2025 Hockey AFCON as Federation President Engr Nkom Backs Teams for Podium Finish
Joel Ajayi
With the 2025 Hockey African Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to take place in Egypt from October 11 to 18, both the men’s and women’s national hockey teams are set to depart Nigeria on October 7, brimming with confidence and determination to make the nation proud.
The President of the Hockey Federation of Nigeria (HFN), Engineer Simon Nkom, speaking after a series of friendly matches at the Hockey Pitch, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, said the teams’ early preparation and intensive training camps have positioned them for a successful outing in Egypt.
“In sports—whether it’s hockey, handball, or basketball—fitness is key. That’s why we began camping weeks ago to build the players’ strength and resilience ahead of this major competition. This is the African Cup of Nations—the highest level of hockey on the continent. We’ve prepared well, and I’m confident our teams will finish on the podium,” he stated.
Nkom highlighted the significant progress Nigerian hockey has recorded in recent years, noting that the country’s world ranking improved from 56th to 36th, while in Hockey 5s, Nigeria now stands 12th globally.
“A few years ago, people barely knew hockey existed in Nigeria. Today, our women’s team ranks 3rd in Africa, and the men’s team is 4th. This growth is a product of deliberate grassroots development and consistent effort,” he added.
To ensure smooth participation and avoid past challenges of late arrivals at tournaments, the federation has finalized logistics for early departure.
“We’ve made all arrangements for the teams to leave early to acclimatize and play friendly matches before the competition begins. The players are motivated, relaxed, and ready to give their best. By God’s grace, they will return home with their heads held high,” Nkom assured.
The HFN President also lauded the federation’s board members for their commitment and teamwork over the past four years, which he said has greatly contributed to the sport’s steady rise in Nigeria.
Head coach Ndana Baba Abdullahi, who oversees both the men’s and women’s teams, praised the federation’s support and lauded the players’ work ethic throughout the extended training camp.
“We’ve worked very hard — morning and evening sessions, tactical drills, conditioning. The players have responded excellently. We started with 35 players and are now down to the final 18 who will make the trip,” Abdullahi said, adding that the early arrival in Egypt would give Nigeria a crucial psychological and tactical edge.
Men’s team captain, Michael John, expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness and determination to make history in Egypt.
“We’re perfectly fine — we’ve trained hard and prepared well,” he said. “We’re just waiting for the whistle to blow. By God’s grace, we won’t disappoint our country or those who worked hard to send us there.”
Similarly, women’s team captain, Alfa Cornelius, echoed optimism about the team’s prospects.
“We’ve been camping for over a month, and the coaches have done a wonderful job. We’ve worked hard to match our opponents in both strength and skill. I’m 100% confident that we’ll perform excellently in Egypt,” she said.
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