Team Nigeria shines at Tour D’Afrique, boosting global cycling profile

Nigeria's participation in the seventh edition of the Tour D'Afrique has been hailed as a success, significantly boosting the country's standing in the international cycling community. Femi Thomas, a board member of the Cycling Federation of Nigeria, described the team's performance as invaluable, marking a significant achievement for Nigerian athletes.

The expedition, themed 'Riding Against Climate Change: A 1,110km Journey with Zero CO₂ Emissions,' saw 50 cyclists representing various states and clubs across Nigeria. The tour, which ran from June 12 to June 19, served multiple purposes beyond the sport itself. It was flagged off in commemoration of World Bicycle Day and acted as a platform to celebrate Nigeria's Democracy Day, ECOWAS's 51st anniversary, and the One Africa agenda, all while showcasing the potential of sustainable transportation.

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The seventh edition is another experience, you can never have enough. Different experience, different edition. It has been a very great opportunity to have been able to make such a journey again this year, having wonderful, awesome people with us.

Thomas, a former athlete himself, emphasized the profound experience gained by all participants, especially the first-timers. "The seventh edition is another experience, you can never have enough," he stated. "Different experience, different edition. It has been a very great opportunity to have been able to make such a journey again this year, having wonderful, awesome people with us."

He further noted the diverse participation, with individuals from different states and clubs, including professionals. "For the first timers, it was their first time going into such a journey. They all faced the challenge, saw how it feels and likewise been able to survive it," Thomas added. The tour's significance was further underscored by its direct support for three United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Coordinated by FT Cycle Care in conjunction with the Cycling Federation of Nigeria and the Velo NG Community, the team's successful completion of the ECOWAS leg has positioned Nigeria as a credible advocate for climate action and regional integration through sport.

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For the first timers, it was their first time going into such a journey. They all faced the challenge, saw how it feels and likewise been able to survive it.