Team Nigeria’s cyclists will undergo an intensive training camp in Manchester ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, following a strategic partnership between the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN) and the British Cycling Association.
The decision was one of the key outcomes of a meeting held on Tuesday during a collaborative visit to Nigeria by a delegation of the British Cycling Association, led by its Commercial Strategy Manager, Izza Ourzik.
Discussions at the meeting centred on a three-point development agenda, which includes boosting cycling development in Nigeria, promoting fair competition in both Olympic and Paralympic sports, and using cycling as a tool for broader social impact.
As part of the agreement, Team Nigeria’s cycling contingent will prepare in Manchester, giving the athletes access to elite training facilities and exposure ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, welcomed the collaboration and assured all partners of the Commission’s commitment to its success.
Our responsibility is to create the right environment for sports development to thrive. This partnership will not only strengthen cycling but also benefit our society in the long run. Cycling is part of everyday life in Nigeria, not just a competitive sport,” Dikko said.
He also stressed the need to take cycling beyond elite circles and into grassroots communities and schools.
We must work together to make cycling less elitist. Nigeria is a nation of vast talents, and we need to take this sport to the grassroots and schools, so the people can truly own it,” he added.
Earlier, NSC Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, explained that cycling was included in Nigeria’s Commonwealth Games plans after confirmation at the Chefs de Mission meeting in Glasgow.
When I was informed that cycling would be part of the sports at the Commonwealth Games, I immediately reached out to the Cycling Federation of Nigeria and learned about the huge potential we have. We then engaged the Elite Athletes Development and Podium Board and agreed to include cycling among our priority sports for Glasgow,” Olopade stated.
He also praised the Cycling Federation of Nigeria for its vibrancy and commitment, noting that the partnership with the British Cycling Association would further strengthen the sport’s growth in the country.
Members of the Cycling Federation of Nigeria, led by its President, Giandomenico Massari, were also present at the meeting.
