• Plans President Tinubu National Championship
The Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN) has urged government and corporate bodies to support the national team, as it begins preparations for the World Cycling Championship slated to hold in Glasgow, Scotland, from August 3 to August 13.
A member of the CFN board, Femi Thomas, an ex-cyclist, said the country’s cyclists were already in camp in Abuja perfecting strategies for the championships, adding, however, that they need total support from the government various organisations to excel at the international event.
“Team Nigeria has been in camp for over two months in Abuja and the federation is doing all within its power to ensure the country does well in Glasgow.
“Cycling is gradually gaining grounds in Nigeria, but more still needs to be done for it to measure up to international standards.
“Sponsors and government support are needed to aid the growth of the sport,” he said.
On the future of cycling in Nigeria, Thomas said that corporate bodies and the federation need to work in tandem to take the sport to greater heights in the country.
“Quality equipment, good athletes’ welfare packages and competitions are paramount in taking cycling to greater heights in Nigeria.
“There is also need for partnership between the government and corporate bodies in putting in place the necessary measures to motivate cyclists to perform well,” he added.
He also hinted that plans are on to organise a cycling tournament to celebrate the 100 days in office of President Bola Tinubu, disclosing that the championship would highlight the numerous achievements of the president in sports when he was governor of Lagos State.
“The championship in honour of the president is a good opportunity for every organisation to promote and project their brands. It will also open Nigeria up for organisations to invest in the country.
“President Tinubu is a lover of sports, which he demonstrated during his time as governor of Lagos State,” he said.
