Malam Shehu Dikko, the chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), has sworn in the newly elected president and board members of the Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN).
He urged them to prioritise the growth and promotion of cycling as a major sport in the country.
The swearing-in ceremony on Monday in Abuja followed the election held on Sunday, which produced a 17-member board to oversee the Federation’s affairs for the next four years.
Administering the oath of office, the NSC Chairman congratulated the new leadership and emphasised the vital role of sports federations in nurturing talent, enhancing grassroots participation, and fostering national unity.
“On behalf of the NSC and President Bola Tinubu, I congratulate you and remind you of the national agenda to reset and refocus on the development of sports in Nigeria. The mandate before you is clear: to transform cycling into a sport that inspires youth, engages communities, and represents our nation proudly at international competitions,” Dikko stated.
He further encouraged the Federation to collaborate with stakeholders, attract private sector investment, and maintain transparency and accountability in its operations. “The NSC will not interfere with any Federation. Our goal is to support and develop sports, taking each discipline to the next level. Cycling is one of the federations with some of the best facilities, and it is important that we maximise them for the benefit of Nigerians.
We must also make sports attractive to investors,” he added.
Dikko also charged the new board to focus on grassroots development, adopt an open-door policy, and ensure that more athletes are drawn into cycling through sustained awareness and engagement.
In his remarks, the newly elected President of the CFN, Engr. Chief Giandomenico Massari, pledged to work tirelessly to expand opportunities for young cyclists across the country.
“We are just beginning, and we are carefully planning ahead. I believe strongly in strategic planning rather than taking impulsive actions. My focus now is on bringing all stakeholders and supporters of this sport together. With unity, we can achieve our goals,” Massari said.
He highlighted the Federation’s recent achievements, noting that Nigeria has qualified at the continental level, winning several medals—particularly in the women’s category—and, for the first time, secured World Championship qualifications in both track and road events.
“We also made history by participating in the Olympics for the first time in both road and track cycling,” he added.
While acknowledging the challenges facing the men’s category, Massari assured that efforts would be intensified to close the performance gap. “Our riders are talented, but the competition is tough. With more dedication and investment, we will bridge the gap. For the women, we have already recorded significant milestones, including Olympic qualification,” he said.
Looking ahead, the CFN President announced that Nigeria has been awarded the hosting rights for the African Track Championship next year. He further noted that once the velodrome is fully completed and certified by the UCI, Nigeria would also be positioned to host international competitions beyond the continent.
The newly elected members include: Chief Giandomenico Massari (President), Dr. Ago Habu Abdurahaman (1st Vice President), Dr. Amidu James Iye Mohammed (2nd Vice President), Dr. Igbinosa Emmanuel, Mohammed Bashir, Mr. Patrick Omorodion, DCI Farouk Umar Abdullahi, Brig. Gen. A.R. Bello, Miss Sally Ogana, Mr. Ajibike Julius Babatunde, Hon. Sulaiman Ahmed Muduru, Mr. Amike Henrry Ochupekhai, Mrs. Angela Okoro, Mrs. Rahab Kaze, Miss Tawakalt Omotayo Yeekeen, and Miss Sally Ogene.
