OYO SPORTS COMMISSIONER HAILS CYCLING ATHLETES FOR OUTSTANDING CONTINENTAL PERFORMANCE

OYO SPORTS COMMISSIONER HAILS CYCLING ATHLETES FOR OUTSTANDING CONTINENTAL PERFORMANCE

By Ayobami Fakorede

Oyo State cycling athletes have once again demonstrated excellence, resilience, and exceptional talent at the 2026 African Continental Para & Track Cycling Championships held in Abuja, recording remarkable achievements and winning several medals for Nigeria at the prestigious continental competition.

In the Men’s B Class Tandem category, Tijani Oyindamola (B Class) alongside Ajibade Qodiri (Pilot) delivered an outstanding performance by winning 2 gold medals and 2 bronze medals after displaying determination, skill, and consistency throughout the competition.

In the Women’s B Class Tandem category, Ojiaebu Favor (B Class) and Yekeen Tawakalt (Pilot) also showcased remarkable brilliance and excellence by securing 2 gold medals and 1 silver medal. Furthermore, Ismail Barakat (B Class) and Olawale Mavellous (Pilot) contributed significantly to Nigeria’s success after winning 1 gold medal and 2 silver medals during the championship.

The prestigious continental championship, which featured participating countries across Africa, witnessed impressive performances from Team Nigeria, with Oyo State athletes playing a major role in the country’s emergence as overall champions of the competition. Their performances further highlighted the quality of talents being nurtured and developed in Oyo State.

The Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Wasilat Adegoke, disclosed this while commending the athletes for their dedication, determination, discipline, resilience, and outstanding performances throughout the championship. According to her, the achievements of the athletes have once again proven that Oyo State remains one of the leading states in sports development and talent production in Nigeria.

Hon. Wasilat Adegoke stated that the athletes represented both Oyo State and Nigeria with pride, honour, and distinction, adding that their commitment and sacrifices were rewarded with impressive performances on the continental stage. She further explained that the remarkable contributions of the Oyo State athletes greatly helped Nigeria finish in first position overall with a total of 16 medals comprising 9 gold medals, 5 silver medals, and 2 bronze medals. Egypt finished in second position with 14 medals, Kenya came third with 9 medals, South Africa secured fourth position with 4 medals, while Algeria finished fifth with 2 medals.

The Commissioner praised the athletes for making Oyo State and Nigeria proud through their achievements and commended their hard work, consistency, and determination to succeed. She also appreciated the efforts of the coaches, officials, technical crew, and other stakeholders whose support and guidance contributed immensely to the success recorded at the championship.

Hon. Wasilat Adegoke encouraged other athletes across various sports in the state not to relent in their efforts but to remain disciplined, focused, and committed to training in order to achieve greater success in future national and international competitions. She reiterated the commitment of the Oyo State Government towards continuous sports development, athlete support, talent discovery, and the creation of opportunities that will enable athletes from the state to compete favourably at the highest level.

She concluded by congratulating all the cycling medalists and wishing them greater achievements in future competitions while urging them to continue being worthy ambassadors of Oyo State and Nigeria wherever they find themselves.