The Nigeria Cycling Federation (NCF) has clarified that Ese Ukpeseraye, the country’s sole cyclist at the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympic Games, was not initially registered to compete in the track events.
Reports went viral after Ukpeseraye posted on her X account that she participated in the keirin event using a bicycle borrowed from the German team.
In response to these reports on Thursday, CFN President Giadomenico Massari explained that the federation had to borrow a bicycle from its partners because they did not bring one to this year’s Olympics.
Massari clarified that Ukpeseraye originally qualified only for the Road Race and traveled to Paris with the necessary equipment for that event.
However, Nigeria was later invited to replace Egypt in the keirin and individual sprint events after an Egyptian track athlete was disqualified.
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He noted that track events require specialized equipment, approved specifically for the Olympics, which typically takes months to be delivered.
Thanks to their equipment sponsor, the NCF managed to secure the bike for the competition.
Massari further explained that the German team, in partnership with their supporters and sponsors, facilitated the arrangement to ensure Ukpeseraye could compete.
“Our track bikes, which have been used in world championships, are not approved for Olympic use. We only received all the necessary approvals from the UCI (cycling world body) and the IOC yesterday.”
He confirmed that Ukpeseraye was able to train and compete in the keirin event and will participate in the individual sprint Friday.
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