What do you believe is the single most important factor driving up the cost of living in Nigeria?

I became serious about cycling in 2013. It was my friend in the village who always saw me riding local bicycles that introduced me to cycling. Gradually, from there, I got better. I wanted to quit, but when I saw other women doing it, I didn’t give up.

Did your family support you taking to cycling?

In the first place, my mom knew I loved my bicycle. When we went to the farm then, I would always ride my bicycle. I regret that now that I am doing well in cycling, she is not here. I lost my parents some time ago. My mom supported me. If not for her, I might not be where I am today because she allowed me to stay somewhere else at a young age to learn cycling. Sometimes I would have bruises, but she still supported me, and my dad also. As a woman, you need to work harder than a man to be recognised as an athlete.

How hard has it been?

As a lady, I don’t want to depend on anyone because I know what my mother passed through. I try to be serious about what I’m doing because sometimes we are harassed on the road. People have told me to look for a job and stop cycling. When I look at them, it irritates me because some of them are street ladies. I’m fighting for my future; I make sure I keep pushing; my sisters are always there for me, praying for me. My sport is very hard. You can get involved in accidents that can make you unable to cycle again. My siblings’ prayers and support keep me going because they are the only people I have now.

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