Team Nigeria celebrates after securing a historic Men Elite Team Sprint gold medal at the 2026 CAC Track African Championships in Abuja.
Host nation Nigeria delivered a landmark performance at the 2026 CAC Track African Championships in Abuja, winning its first-ever Men Elite Team Sprint gold medal and strengthening its position in African track cycling.
The Nigerian trio of Emmanuel Gabriel, Momoh Obinna, and Hamza Yacine electrified the home crowd at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome after clocking 46”083 to defeat continental heavyweights Algeria and South Africa.
The victory marked a major breakthrough for Nigerian cycling, a sport that has struggled for years with limited infrastructure, funding gaps, and low international visibility despite growing local talent.
Algeria settled for silver, while Benin Republic claimed bronze in 54”160. South Africa failed to finish the race.
Nigerian Cyclists Dominate Junior Sprint Events
Nigeria extended its strong performance in the Women Junior Team Sprint event.
Osayamen Osaretin Grace Godwin, Divine Esther Ogbe, and Esther Godwin powered to gold in 56”160, comfortably ahead of South Africa.
The result highlighted the rapid development of young Nigerian cyclists and renewed attention on youth investment in track sports.
Team Nigeria also secured bronze in the Men Junior Team Sprint through Monday Joel Berry, Ibrahim Isiaka, and Omoregie Osaretin Emmanuel.
South Africa won gold in 49”050, narrowly defeating Algeria.
Endurance Events Test Nigeria’s Depth
Nigeria maintained its medal chase in the endurance races despite intense competition from established cycling nations.
South Africa won the Men Elite Team Pursuit title ahead of Algeria, while Nigeria’s quartet of Quwam Afolajomi Tijiani, Gabriel John Odumu, Emmanuel Gabriel, and Garba Masud secured bronze after a determined performance before home supporters.
In the Men Junior Team Pursuit, South Africa defeated Nigeria to win gold, while Algeria suffered disqualification.
Nigeria’s team of Monday Joel Berry, Ibrahim Isiaka, Ibrahim Ashiru Muhammed, and Daniel Sunday earned silver medals after a strong finish.
Scratch Race Medals Strengthen Nigeria’s Campaign
Nigeria also dominated the Women Junior Scratch race as Osaretin Grace Godwin and Divine Ogbe secured gold and silver respectively ahead of Egypt’s Joudy El Sayed.
Treasure Melubari Coxson added another medal for the hosts after finishing third in the Women Elite Scratch race behind South Africa’s S’annara Grove and Algeria’s Siham Bousbaa.
In the Men Junior Scratch final, Monday Joel Berry finished fifth, while Omoregie Osaretin Emmanuel placed ninth after losing laps during the race.
Algeria’s Hamza Yacine later claimed gold in the Men Elite Scratch event ahead of South Africa’s Ethan Kulsen and Egypt’s Omer Elsaid. Nigeria’s Quwam Afolajomi Tijiani finished sixth.
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Nigeria Cycling Success Signals Shift in African Competition
Nigeria’s performance at the championships reflects growing momentum in the country’s cycling programme and increasing competitiveness against Africa’s traditional track cycling powers.
With medals across sprint and endurance events, Team Nigeria has emerged as one of the standout nations at the 2026 CAC Track African Championships.
The competition continues in Abuja as cyclists across the continent battle for more titles and qualification opportunities
By Arinzechi Chukwunonso; Editing by Julian Adetinuyo
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