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Sports Commission’s Commitment Boosts Performance, Morale of Kwara Cyclists
Kwara State cycling athletes have intensified their training regimen as the state coach, Lukman Lawal, reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining Kwara’s rising profile in national and international cycling competitions.
Coach Lawal made this known in an exclusive interview with Pristinegist Media on Saturday, February 15, 2026, following observations by reporters of the cyclists’ intense training sessions running from Monday to Sunday.
According to him, the renewed energy and discipline among the athletes are products of consistent motivation and institutional support from the Kwara State Sports Commission.
He noted that the cycling team has enjoyed remarkable progress since the inauguration of the current Sports Commission under the leadership of its Executive Chairman, Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, whose administration, he said, has prioritized athlete welfare and development.
Highlighting the commission’s achievements, Coach Lawal recalled that Kwara cycling athletes have won gold and silver medals consecutively at the National Youth Games, as well as a historic gold medal at the National Sports Festival. He added that cycling delivered Kwara State’s first gold medal at the last National Sports Festival tagged Gateway 2024, a feat he described as a major milestone for the sport in the state.
The coach also revealed that several Kwara cyclists have recently represented Nigeria at international events, mentioning athletes such as Ikmat Sulyman and Falilat AbdulRazaq, while expressing confidence that more talents from the state will soon earn national call-ups.
Coach Lawal concluded by appreciating the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for his unwavering commitment to sports development, particularly cycling.
He also thanked the pioneer Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission for laying a solid foundation that brought renewed attention and growth to the sport, while extending gratitude to officials of the Sports Commission and the Kwara State Cycling Association for their continued support.
Meanwhile, one of Kwara’s leading female youth cyclists, who has won multiple medals for the state and recently represented Nigeria, also commended the leadership of the Sports Commission for its sustained motivation and backing of cyclists. She praised Governor AbdulRazaq for investing in sports development and for approving monetary rewards for Kwara medalists at the last National Youth Games.
Expressing confidence ahead of future competitions, the cyclist disclosed that she is fully prepared to transition into the senior category, having already won several senior-level tournaments across Nigeria last year. She said these victories have strengthened her determination to compete at the next National Sports Festival and return with medals for Kwara State.
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