The Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN) has dismissed claims of payment failure to athletes, insisting that all financial obligations due to members of the national cycling team have been settled as preparations intensify for upcoming international competitions.
Speaking during an interview with reporters, the Technical Director of the Cycling Federation of Nigeria, Bashir Mohammed, said the federation remains focused on preparing qualified cyclists for the Commonwealth Games and the UCI Para-Cycling World Championships, while describing the team’s preparations as progressing smoothly.
Bashir explained that Nigeria’s para-cycling programme initially shortlisted both male and female B-class tandem teams for the Commonwealth Games.
However, the female team could not be confirmed because one of the athletes had not completed the mandatory international classification required for participation.
He clarified that the athlete, Febo Omo Ojebu, was not disqualified, contrary to reports circulating in some quarters.
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“She was not classified. To compete at the Commonwealth Games, an athlete must first undergo international classification, which can only be done at recognised international competitions where certified classifiers are present,” Bashir said.
According to him, Omo Ojebu has successfully defended her African title in consecutive editions of the African Championships, but is yet to meet the international classification requirements stipulated by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and Commonwealth Games authorities.
He disclosed that the federation is already making plans for her participation in future international competitions, including the World Championships, where she is expected to obtain the required classification.
“Next year, we also have the African Championships and the African Games, which serve as Olympic qualifiers. International classifiers will be available at those events,” he added.
Bashir revealed that four para-cyclists are currently in camp alongside their support personnel, while able-bodied cyclists based in Abuja have also joined training sessions to provide quality competition and improve overall performance.
He identified reigning African champion Tijani Abdullahi and his pilot, Okeya Temple, as Nigeria’s qualified representatives for the Commonwealth Games, noting that Abdullahi has already undergone international classification and previously competed at the World Championships.
The technical director also named African champion Badoun Dauda and his pilot, Elkana Johanna, as members of the national training programme being groomed for future international competitions.
He stressed that qualification remains compulsory for participation in elite events such as the Commonwealth Games, Olympic Games and World Championships.
“You cannot compete at the Commonwealth Games or the Olympics without qualifying. The African Championships provide ranking points that enable athletes to qualify for the World Championships,” he explained.
Bashir further disclosed that three to four technical officials are currently working with the athletes in camp, while a motorbike pace rider has also been engaged to enhance training sessions.
Responding to reports alleging payment failures to athletes, Bashir dismissed the claims, maintaining that the federation has fulfilled all its financial obligations to members of the national team.
He said the team is fully prepared for its forthcoming international engagements and appealed to individuals, corporate organisations and other stakeholders to support the development of cycling in Nigeria.
