Nigerian cyclist, Ese Ukpeseraye stirred controversy after revealing on social media that she had to borrow a track bike from the German team for her keirin and sprint events at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Ukpeseraye’s post, highlighting the lack of proper equipment provision, sparked criticism towards the Nigerian Ministry of Sport, with many questioning the country’s preparation for the Games.
In response, Nigeria’s Minister of Sport Development, John Enoh, clarified the situation, explaining that Ukpeseraye’s post had been misunderstood and lacked proper context. The Minister stated that Team Nigeria had originally only qualified for the road race and was fully equipped for that event.
However, two weeks before the Olympics, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) reallocated additional slots to Nigeria for the keirin and individual sprint events following another country’s disqualification.
“Initially, Team Nigeria qualified for one road race in cycling and was fully prepared in terms of training and the necessary competition equipment,” Minister Enoh explained.
He added, “Team Nigeria was ready for this road race until two weeks ago when, after the team had already departed for the Olympics, we received a communication from the UCI reallocating additional slots to the Cyclist Federation of Nigeria for the keirin and individual sprint events.”
“This reallocation was due to the disqualification of another country, making Nigeria the next eligible nation. Unfortunately, these events required different equipment, specifically designed and approved for Olympic track events, which would take months to order and deliver. To ensure Ese could compete, the Federation, through her club in Europe and in collaboration with a German-owned company, secured a track bike for her.”
Ukpeseraye is set to compete in the individual sprint event on August 9, 2024, the race she originally qualified for.
