Team Nigeria has kicked off their campaign at the ongoing Confederation of African Cycling (CAC) Track and Para-Track African Continental Championships in Cairo, Egypt, with an emphatic golden sweep, securing four gold medals in the highly competitive Tandem B Class category.
In what is being described as a commanding performance, the duo of Tijani Daramola and his pilot, Okeyah Bethel Temple, stormed to double gold in the Men’s Tandem B Class events—clinching top honours in both the Sprint and Individual Pursuit races. Their synchronized coordination and sheer power left competitors trailing as they crossed the finish lines with impressive margins.
Not to be outdone, the women’s pair of Favour Omo and pilot Tawakalt Yekeen matched the men stride for stride, delivering a second set of double golds in the Women’s Tandem B Class. Their dominance in the Sprint and Individual Pursuit events not only showcased their athleticism but also their tactical discipline on the track.
These early victories underline the impact of Nigeria’s renewed focus on para-sports development. The medal haul is being credited to the strategic vision and technical planning implemented by the National Sports Commission, led by Chairman Malam Shehu Dikko and Director General Chief Bukola Olawale Olopade. According to sports insiders, the duo has been instrumental in revitalizing Nigeria’s para-cycling program, focusing on early talent discovery, rigorous training camps, and international exposure.
“We’re not just competing — we’re winning with intent, backed by vision and discipline,” remarked Joel O. Akinluwa, Secretary General of the Cycling Federation of Nigeria, speaking from Cairo. He emphasized that the federation’s efforts are beginning to bear fruit, as the athletes rise to the continental challenge with poise and precision.
The CAC African Continental Championships, hosted in one of North Africa’s cycling hubs, brings together elite cyclists from across the continent. For Team Nigeria, these early wins set a high tone and raise expectations for more podium finishes as the competition continues.
As the championship progresses, all eyes remain on Nigeria’s contingent, who are determined to convert early momentum into sustained success. With more races ahead, the team’s golden start could well be a sign of a historic championship run in Cairo.
