The Minister of Sport has addressed the recent controversy surrounding Nigerian cyclist Ese Ukpeseraye and the absence of the necessary equipment for her Olympic events, following a social media post by Ukpeseraye that sparked widespread concern.
Speaking on the matter, the Minister explained, “Team Nigeria initially qualified for a single road race event in cycling, and we ensured that our athletes were fully equipped and prepared for this competition.
However, just two weeks before the Olympics, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) reallocated additional slots to Nigeria, including the Keirin and individual sprint events. This reallocation was unexpected and came after another country’s disqualification, leaving Nigeria as the next eligible nation.”
The Minister further clarified the challenge posed by this last-minute opportunity, stating, “The newly assigned track events required specialized equipment—track bikes specifically approved for Olympic competition. Unfortunately, acquiring such equipment is not an overnight process. It typically takes several months to order, produce, and deliver these bikes.”
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To overcome this obstacle, the Nigerian Cycling Federation, in collaboration with Ukpeseraye’s club in Europe and a German company, worked tirelessly to secure a track bike on short notice.
“Despite the logistical challenges, we were determined to ensure Ese had the opportunity to compete at the highest level. We managed to secure a suitable track bike, and Ese is now ready to race in the individual sprint event on August 9, 2024,” the Minister added.
Addressing the public’s concerns, the Minister emphasized, “Ese’s social media post was misunderstood because it lacked the full context of the situation. We want to assure everyone that every effort has been made to support her and all our athletes as they represent Nigeria on the world stage.”
The Ministry of Sport and the Nigerian Cycling Federation remain committed to providing the necessary support to their athletes, ensuring they can compete under the best possible conditions.
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