Nigerian cyclist Ese Ukpeseraye criticized the underutilization of Abuja's premier velodrome, which is often rented out for religious events. She warns that this mismanagement limits training opportunities for athletes and threatens the future of cycling in Nigeria.
Nigerian cyclist Ese Ukpeseraye has voiced her frustration over the misuse of Nigeria's premier cycling facility, the Velodrome in Abuja. Despite being one of the most expensive sports venues globally, it is often rented out for religious services, leaving athletes with limited access to training. Ukpeseraye expressed her concerns after the 2024 Olympics, emphasizing that the velodrome's unavailability hampers the development of cycling in Nigeria.
Ukpeseraye highlighted the irony of having such a world-class facility but not utilizing it for its intended purpose. She warned that continued neglect could lead to the decline of the sport in the country. Her remarks have sparked a heated debate on social media, with many Nigerians criticizing the authorities for prioritizing non-sporting events over athletes' needs.
Reactions online have been mixed. Some users blamed the sports administrators for allowing this misuse, while others criticized religious organizations for renting the venue. The broader conversation has underscored the challenges facing Nigerian sports, with calls for a re-evaluation of how sports facilities are managed in the country.
