Nigeria's cycling squad excels in prestigious Tour D’Afrique competition

Nigeria's Cycling Federation board member Femi Thomas has hailed the country's performance at the seventh Tour D'Afrique as a resounding success, noting that it will bolster Nigeria's reputation on the global cycling scene.

n

The remarks came as Team Nigeria returned home after completing the cross-border expedition, which concluded at the ECOWAS Headquarters, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

n

The 2026 edition of the tour, themed 'Riding Against Climate Change: A 1,110km Journey with Zero CO₂ Emissions', took place from June 12 to June 19, featuring 50 cyclists from various states and clubs across Nigeria as part of Team Nigeria.

n

This year's tour was launched to commemorate World Bicycle Day and also served as a celebration of Nigeria's Democracy Day, ECOWAS at 51, and the One Africa agenda, while showcasing the potential of sustainable transport.

n

According to Thomas, a former athlete, the experience was highly beneficial for all participants, especially those taking part for the first time, as it provided invaluable lessons and exposure.

n

Thomas stated that the seventh edition of the tour offered a unique experience, with a diverse group of participants from different states, clubs, and professional backgrounds, allowing first-timers to face challenges and overcome them.

n

He noted that the tour directly supports three United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting its significance beyond the realm of sports.

n

Team Nigeria's participation in the tour was organized by FT Cycle Care, in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of Nigeria and the Velo NG Community.

n

With the successful completion of the ECOWAS leg, stakeholders believe that the tour has further established Nigeria as a credible advocate for climate action and regional integration through sports.