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
AACT 2026: 31 Days to Africa’s Big Sporting Gathering in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
The countdown to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) has officially entered the final month, with just 31 days to go before Africa’s leading women’s team golf championship tees off at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.
In a statement signed by the AACT 2026Director of Communication Kayode Adeniyi on Friday in Abuja.
Under the theme “Africa Is Coming to Abuja,” the countdown campaign will spotlight the championship, the participating nations, the players, the host venue and the growing development of women’s golf across the continent.
The 2026 AACT, scheduled for November 2–7, will bring together women’s golfing talent from across Africa for six days of continental competition in Nigeria’s capital.
As preparations continue at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, attention is increasingly turning to Abuja, where the championship will provide a platform for African golfers to compete while also showcasing Nigeria’s hospitality and the country’s growing profile as a destination for major sporting events.
The countdown will feature daily stories, interviews, player and country profiles, tournament facts, behind-the-scenes updates and features on the host venue as the championship draws closer.
The campaign will also highlight the role of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the Local Organising Committee and other stakeholders in preparing for the continental championship.
With just 31 days remaining, anticipation is building across the African golfing community as Abuja prepares to welcome the continent’s leading women golfers.
Africa is coming to Abuja.
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