Africa Cup Track Cycling: 5 countries arrive in Nigeria
The federation’s Media Officer, Dorcas Jonah, who made the disclosure in Abuja on Monday, said the federation was set to give a befitting competition environment to participants.
She named the five countries as Egypt, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Burundi and Benin Republic.
“The federation is working on the venue which is the Velodrome, Moshood Abiola Stadium, ahead of the championships.
“The Abuja stadium is wearing a new look as the federation completes marking of the tracks and putting of barriers within the velodrome to ensure a hitch-free championships.
“The federation is inviting all Nigerians to come and watch African cycling athletes competing for medals,’’ she said.
According to her, 10 countries are expected to participate in the maiden edition of the championships being held in collaboration with the continental cycling body, the Confederation of African Cycling (CAC).
The 10 countries, she said, are Guinea Conakry, Burkina Faso, Liberia, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Benin, Nigeria, Burundi, Egypt and Morocco.
Earlier, the federation’s President, Giadomenico Massari, had said participants were expected to arrive Abuja a bit early because the only country in the region with training facilities was Nigeria.
“This is to enable them participate in pre-tournament activities, such as coaching course, training course for athletes and Commissar course (Referee course), which are all organised by the continental cycling body.
“Nigeria is the only country that has a Velodrome in this region. So, the federation will open camp for them to train before the commencement of the competition,’’ he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the championships, also known as the Africa Cup, will hold from Friday to Sunday.