Nigeria’s Cycling Federation board member, Femi Thomas, has described Team Nigeria’s outing at the seventh edition of the Tour D’Afrique as a success, saying the performance will further boost the country’s image on the global cycling stage.
Thomas spoke as Team Nigeria returned to the country after completing the cross-border expedition, with the team arriving at the ECOWAS Headquarters, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.
The 2026 edition of the tour, themed *‘Riding Against Climate Change: A 1,110km Journey with Zero CO₂ Emissions’*, held from June 12 to June 19.
A 50-man contingent drawn from different states and clubs across Nigeria represented the country in the race.
The tour was flagged off in commemoration of World Bicycle Day. It also served as a platform to celebrate Nigeria’s Democracy Day, ECOWAS at 51 and the One Africa agenda, while promoting sustainable transportation.
Thomas, a former athlete, said the outing provided a valuable experience for all the cyclists, especially first-time participants.
He said: “The seventh edition is another experience — you can never have enough. Different experience, different edition. It has been a very great opportunity to have been able to make such a journey again this year, having wonderful, awesome people with us.
“Multiple people participated from different states, different clubs and pros.
“For the first timers, it was their first time going into such a journey. They all faced the challenge, saw how it feels and likewise been able to survive it.”
Thomas added that the tour aligns with three United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, underlining its importance beyond sport.
Team Nigeria’s participation was coordinated by FT Cycle Care in conjunction with the Cycling Federation of Nigeria and the Velo NG Community.
Stakeholders said the successful completion of the ECOWAS leg of the tour has further positioned Nigeria as a credible voice for climate action and regional integration through sport.
