Sports
EGYPTIAN women’s elite cycling star, Ebtissam Zayed overcame painful memories and fresh injury setbacks to emerge as one of the standout performers at the just concluded 2026 African Track Cycling Championships in Abuja.
Zayed, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) on Monday said that she won five gold medals at the just concluded championships.
She described her return to the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome in Abuja as emotional after suffering what she called the biggest crash of her career during the 2019 edition of the competition in Nigeria.
“Coming back to this CAC Track Cycling Championships track was emotional for me because I had the biggest crash of my career here in 2019.
“ At the same time, it was nice to reunite with my Nigerian friends and experience the love and support from the people again,” she said.
The Egyptian cyclist revealed that the competition was particularly important as part of preparations for the forthcoming World Championships, which will serve as qualifiers for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
In spite of crashing again during the scratch race on the opening day, May 12, Zayed fought through the pain to dominate the competition.
“It was stressful and very tough for me after the crash, but I am proud that I pushed through and still managed to win five gold medals at the Confederation of African Cycling (CAC) Track Cycling Championships ,” she said.
She also appreciated the support of her coach, teammates, husband and mother throughout her career.
“My husband is here with me and he has been a huge support system. I also thank my mother, who has supported me since I was a child, as well as my coach and teammates,” she said.
Meanwhile, Algerian cyclist, Assal -Mohamed Nadjib praised the successful organisation of the championships despite the hot weather conditions in Abuja.
“The weather was very hot, but it was a good experience for us. The atmosphere was great and we won many medals and titles,” he said.
Nadjib, who competed in Nigeria during the 2022 edition where he won two medals, said he returned stronger this year and finished the championships with six medals.
“I worked very hard to improve myself and I am happy the hard work paid off. Our team performed very well and I appreciate everyone who made this success possible. I also thank God,” he said.
Nigeria’s rising cycling sensation, junior cyclist, Osaretin Godwin also celebrated a remarkable outing after winning seven gold medals and two silver medals in the junior category.
“I am very happy because there were many strong competitors at the championship, but I thank God for helping me succeed,” she said.
The championships brought together cyclists from Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Algeria, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Benin Republic and host nation Nigeria, further highlighting Abuja’s growing status as a major hub for African cycling competitions.
NAN reports that the Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN), on Sunday released the official results at the 2026 African Track Cycling Championship in Abuja saw a total of 125 medals won during the championships, comprising 44 gold, 43 silver and 38 bronze medals.
South Africa topped the medal table with 22 gold, 11 silver and 11 bronze medals.Egypt finished second with 10 gold, eight silver and nine bronze medals.Nigeria placed third with nine gold, nine silver and 11 bronze medals.
Algeria occupied fourth position with three gold, 13 silver and six bronze medals, while Benin Republic completed the top five standings with two silver and one bronze medal.
NAN reports that the event featured the 12th edition of the Confederation of African Cycling (CAC) Track Cycling Championships and the 3rd CAC Para-Cycling Championships.( NAN)
A.I
May 19, 2026
Tags: Ebtissam Zayed Osaretin Godwin