Sports

Rwanda Now First Africa Country to host 2025 road world championship

Published

4 years ago

September 27, 2021

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) on Friday gave Rwanda the right to host the 2025 road world championship.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 190th Congress held in Flanders, Belgium, the world Cycling decided to give Africa the privilege to host the world championship.
NAN reports that this is the first time an African country has been given the chance to host road world championship, this going to Kigali, Rwanda.
Giandomenico Massari, the chairman, caretaker of committee of Nigeria Cycling Federation, congratulated the Rwanda Cycling Federation for getting the opportunity to host 2025 UCI world championship in Rwanda.
Massari said a new era had come for Africa to host world championships in cycling.
“This will be the first time for Africa to host this world event I congratulate Rwanda Cycling Federation for this great opportunity,” he said.
He added: “We continue to work tediously to make sure one day Nigeria will also have the opportunity and the right to host a world Cycling Championship.
“We have cyclists that can represent the country in International and world championships that will make the country capable of winning medals.
“Nigeria can be the next Africa country to host the world championship,” he said.
NAN report that in 2018, UCI called on all 50 National Federations of the African Cycling Confederation to submit bids for the 2025 edition, claiming it would help to “consolidate the growth” of the sport in the continent.
The 2022 Road World Championships are scheduled to be held in Wollongong, Australia, with Scottish city, Glasgow, and Zurich in Switzerland due to play host in 2023 and 2024 respectively.

(NAN)

Share on Facebook

Sports

Thrills as 2026 National Hockey Super League Opens in Abuja — NHF President Promises Greater Innovation

Published

12 hours ago

November 1, 2025

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar
The atmosphere was electric on Saturday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, as the 2026 National Hockey Super League officially kicked off in grand style.

The championship, which runs from November 1st to 9th, features 13 male and 8 female teams from across the country competing for supremacy in Nigeria’s top-tier hockey competition.

In the opening fixtures, Police Machine dominated IGP Flickers 9–1, Kada Stars overwhelmed Adamawa 13–0, Plateau edged Ekiti 1–0, while Niger Flickers crushed Team Katsina 10–0.

Speaking at the ceremony, President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), Engr. Simon Nkom, expressed satisfaction with the smooth start, describing the league as a key milestone in the Federation’s renewed drive to strengthen grassroots hockey and promote national development of the sport.

“This is indeed a proud moment for us. We are here to witness a national event that we hold in very high esteem,” he said. “It’s a great way to end the year, return to our grassroots, and continue developing the game.”

Nkom, who also serves as an Executive Member of the African Hockey Federation Board, assured that the Federation will sustain its current momentum and introduce more innovations in 2027 to further elevate Nigerian hockey both locally and internationally.

“Our focus remains on building a strong foundation for our players and promoting discipline, teamwork, and fair play,” he added.

“Beyond monetary rewards, the experience gained here is invaluable. We will continue to recognize excellence through awards for Best Player, Best Goalkeeper, Youngest Player, and Most Disciplined Team.”

The Tournament Director, Mr. Falore Olajuyigbe, confirmed that the league will run for one week, ending on November 8th, with teams departing the following day. He praised the level of play and organization so far.

“The matches have been exciting and competitive. Attendance has been encouraging, and we’re confident that the quality of play will keep improving,” Olajuyigbe said.

He added that the tournament is benefitting from lessons learned during Nigeria’s participation in the African Club Championship in Ismailia, Egypt, noting that two Nigerian umpires who officiated at that continental event are also part of the officiating crew in Abuja.

As the 2026 National Hockey Super League unfolds, excitement continues to build among fans and players alike, with Abuja firmly at the center of Nigeria’s hockey action.

Share on Facebook