Cycling Federation of Nigeria board member Femi Thomas has applauded Team Nigeria’s display at the seventh Tour D’Afrique, saying the country’s participation has further elevated its growing reputation in the sport.
The team recently completed the long-distance cycling expedition, which ended at the ECOWAS Headquarters in Lagos after riders covered an extensive route across the sub-region.
This year’s event, themed “Riding Against Climate Change: A 1,110km Journey with Zero CO₂ Emissions,” brought together cyclists from different parts of Nigeria, with 50 riders representing the country throughout the week-long challenge.
Beyond competition, the tour served as a platform to promote environmental sustainability, celebrate World Bicycle Day and mark key regional milestones, including Nigeria’s Democracy Day and ECOWAS’ anniversary.
Speaking on the outcome of the event, Thomas described the experience as rewarding, noting that participants gained valuable exposure and resilience from the demanding journey.
“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,” he said.
Thomas also highlighted the broader significance of the event, pointing out that it contributes to the achievement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through its focus on clean transportation and environmental awareness.
The Nigerian contingent was assembled through a partnership involving the Cycling Federation of Nigeria, FT Cycle Care and the Velo NG Community.
Stakeholders believe the successful completion of the tour has reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to climate advocacy, regional unity and the continued development of cycling across the country.