The Technical Director of the Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN), Mohammed Bashir, says Team Nigeria’s preparations for upcoming international competitions, including the UCI Para Cycling Track World Championships and the Commonwealth Games, are progressing positively, despite challenges linked to athlete classification requirements.
Speaking to journalists on Monday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Package B, in Abuja, Bashir said Nigeria’s para-cycling team has been undergoing intensive training ahead of major 2026 competitions, including the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, and other international championships.
He disclosed that Nigeria’s tandem B class cyclists—comprising both male and female categories—were initially shortlisted for participation, but the female rider, Ojiabu Favour Omo, was later dropped after failing to complete the mandatory international classification process required for eligibility.
Bashir explained that international para-cycling regulations require athletes to be classified by certified international classifiers, typically at recognised international competitions.
“She is a two-time African champion, having won back-to-back titles in 2025 and 2026, but the Commonwealth Association and the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) require that she participates in international events where classification can be completed,” he said. “Without that classification, she cannot be confirmed for the Commonwealth Games.”
He added that her participation could not be ratified because she is yet to compete in a qualifying international road or track event where official classification can be conducted.
Despite the setback, Bashir said four athletes are currently in camp, including two visually impaired cyclists and their pilots, alongside other tandem riders who have met eligibility requirements.
He named Tijani Abdullahi as one of the confirmed athletes competing in the tandem B category, alongside his pilot, Okeyah Bethel Temple. He also referenced Tijani Daramola, a para-cyclist who defended his African title in both 2025 and 2026 and has competed in international para-cycling events, earning classification for major championships.
Bashir further highlighted Baduin Dauda, who won the 1-kilometre time trial at the recently concluded Confederation of African Cycling (CAC) Para-Track Championships held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium velodrome in Abuja, alongside his pilot, Elkana Johanna.
According to him, the team’s training programme includes support from experienced pilots and local riders, including some drawn from the Federal Capital Territory, to strengthen preparation and performance.
He also noted that the camp operates with a mix of officials and training partners, including “dummy riders” who simulate race conditions using motorbikes on the track to improve speed, endurance, and race readiness.
Bashir emphasised that qualification remains the key requirement for international participation, stressing that only athletes who meet classification and ranking standards will represent Nigeria at the Commonwealth Games and other global events.
“You cannot go to the Commonwealth Games, Olympic Games, or World Championships without qualification,” he said. “Points earned from African and international competitions determine eligibility.”
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He added that while the situation involving the female rider is unfortunate, it does not represent a setback for the federation, as efforts are ongoing to ensure she becomes eligible through future international competitions, including the upcoming African Championships and the African Games, which also serve as Olympic qualifiers.
“There will be classifiers at those events, and we are working to ensure she gets that opportunity,” he said.
Bashir expressed optimism about Nigeria’s prospects in upcoming competitions, stating that the country remains one of the strongest teams in African track cycling.
“Nigeria is very strong in track cycling, and we have performed well in recent African championships. Our goal is to maintain that dominance and perform better at the Commonwealth level,” he said.
He added that while Nigeria’s female cyclists are strong in both road and track events, the federation remains focused on expanding international exposure for all athletes to improve competitiveness ahead of global tournaments.
