CFN Refutes Allowance Claims, Affirms Readiness for Commonwealth Games
Oru Leonard
The Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN) has refuted reports alleging that members of the national cycling team are owed allowances, maintaining that all athletes currently in camp have received their entitlements as preparations intensify for upcoming international competitions.
Speaking in Abuja, the federation’s Technical Director, Mohammed Bashir, stated that the welfare of athletes remains a priority and that training programmes ahead of the Commonwealth Games and the UCI Para-Cycling World Championships are progressing as planned.
Addressing concerns surrounding Nigeria’s para-cycling team, Bashir clarified the circumstances involving athlete Febo Omo Ojebu, whose absence from the Commonwealth Games squad has generated speculation.
According to him, the federation had hoped to field both male and female B-class tandem teams at the Games. However, Omo Ojebu was unable to secure a place because she has not yet completed the mandatory international classification process required by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and Commonwealth Games authorities.
Bashir dismissed claims that the athlete had been disqualified, stressing that classification is a prerequisite for participation in major para-sport competitions.
“She was not disqualified. The issue is that she has not undergone international classification, which can only take place at recognised international competitions where certified classifiers are present,” he explained.
The CFN official praised Omo Ojebu’s achievements, noting that she has successfully retained her African para-cycling title twice and remains one of Nigeria’s leading athletes in the sport He added that efforts are underway to ensure she participates in future international events where she can obtain the required classification.
Bashir revealed that upcoming continental competitions, including the African Championships and African Games next year, will offer another opportunity for the athlete to complete the process.
These events will also serve as qualification pathways for future global competitions.
The federation currently has four para-cyclists in residential camp, supported by technical staff and training partners. Abuja-based able-bodied cyclists have also joined training sessions to enhance competitiveness and improve performance standards.
Among the athletes preparing for international assignments are reigning African champion Tijani Abdullahi and his pilot, Okeya Temple, who have already secured qualifications for the Commonwealth Games
Abdullahi has completed international classification and previously represented Nigeria at the UCI Para-Cycling World Championships.
Bashir also highlighted the progress of African champion Badoun Dauda and his pilot, Elkana Johanna, who are undergoing intensive training ahead of future international competitions.
He reiterated that qualification and classification remain essential requirements for participation in elite events such as the Commonwealth Games, World Championships, and Olympic Games.
“Participation at these competitions is based on qualification. Athletes must earn ranking points through events such as the African Championships to secure places at the World Championships and other major tournaments,” he said.
To strengthen preparations, the federation has assembled a team of technical experts and engaged a motorbike pace rider to provide athletes with high-quality training support.
Reacting to allegations of unpaid allowances, Bashir described the reports as unfounded and insisted that all financial obligations to athletes in camp have been settled.
He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s prospects in upcoming competitions and called on government institutions, corporate organisations, and private sector partners to increase support for the growth and development of cycling across the country.
(NSC MEDIA)
