African Track Championships: Teen sensation, Osaretin powers Team Nigeria to 29-medal finish in Abuja

Posted : 18 May 2026

Team Nigeria wrapped up the 2026 African Track Cycling Championships in Abuja with a third-place finish behind South Africa and Egypt, as junior women’s star Osaretin Godwin delivered a brilliant late performance with two gold medals on the final day of competition.

The championships, which lasted five days at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome, ended on a high note for the host nation as Nigeria secured two gold, two silver, and two bronze medals on the closing day.

Osaretin’s double triumph increased her personal tally to six gold medals—four individual titles and two team victories—emerging as one of the standout athletes of the tournament.

Nigeria finished the championships with an overall haul of nine gold, nine silver, and 11 bronze medals, totaling 29 medals.

Despite recording two more medals than Egypt, Team Nigeria settled for third place as the North Africans edged ahead on the gold medal count with 10 gold, eight silver, and nine bronze medals.

South Africa dominated the competition, topping the standings with 19 gold, 10 silver, and nine bronze medals for a total of 44 medals.

Algeria finished fourth after recording three gold, 12 silver, and five bronze medals, while Benin Republic placed fifth with two silver and one bronze medal. Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Côte d’Ivoire ended the championships without reaching the podium.

Nigeria had earlier impressed in the Para-Track Championships, finishing top of the standings with nine gold, five silver, and two bronze medals ahead of Egypt and Kenya.

Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, who officially declared the championships closed, praised the resilience and determination shown by Nigerian cyclists throughout the competition.

He also rewarded the athletes with a personal donation of one million naira in recognition of their performance at the continental event.

The continental event highlighted the immense potential within Nigeria's youth cycling ranks, particularly through the remarkable achievements of Osaretin Godwin. With corporate and governmental backing, the nation aims to improve its track infrastructure and training programs to challenge continental leaders in future editions. The successful hosting and strong podium finish underscore the steady growth of track cycling within the country.

African Track Championships: Teen sensation, Osaretin powers Team Nigeria to 29-medal finish in Abuja

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