Nigerian cyclist Ese Ukpeseraye sparked 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, which stated the lack of equipment provision, drew criticism toward the Nigerian Ministry of Sport for its perceived lack of preparation.

In response, Nigeria’s Minister of Sport Development, John Enoh Owan clarified the situation, explaining that Ukpeseraye’s post had been misunderstood and lacked proper context.

The Minister stated that Team Nigeria had initially only qualified for a 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 after another country’s disqualification.

“Abinitio, Team Nigeria qualified for one road race in cycling and prepared for it in terms of training and the appropriate competition equipment,” John Enoh clarified.

“Team Nigeria was fully prepared for this road race until two weeks ago after the Cycling team with the rest of Team Nigeria had already left for the Olympics, that a communication from the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) was received reallocating additional slots to the Cyclist Federation of Nigeria (Kerin and individual sprint).”

“This reallocation to Nigeria was due to the disqualification of a country, leaving Nigeria as the next eligible to make the list of qualified countries to compete. Unfortunately, this additional slot required the use of a different competition equipment in terms of biking.”

“For this track race reallocated to Team Nigeria, a very special equipment (approved specifically for the Olympic track game) is used. It’ll take months to have it delivered after ordering and making payment. To therefore get Ese to compete, the Federation through Ese’s Club in Europe and working with a German owned Company, got a ‘Track Bike’ for our cycler Ese.”

Ukpeseraye is set to compete in the individual sprint event on August 9, 2024, the race she originally qualified for.