South Africa overtake Nigeria as African Track Championships intensify in Abuja

By Maxwell Kumoye 

 

 

Team South Africa has surged to the top of the medals table after Day 2 of the 2026 African Track Championships at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, overtaking hosts Team Nigeria in a fiercely contested battle for continental dominance.

Nigeria had ended the opening day in commanding fashion, powered largely by an impressive showing from the junior women cyclists who delivered four gold medals, while the elite men added another gold to place the hosts atop the standings with five gold, two silver and three bronze medals. 

South Africa trailed closely behind with four gold, two silver and one bronze medal.

However, the momentum shifted on Day 2 as the South Africans produced a dominant display across several events, harvesting seven gold, three silver and two bronze medals to move into first place with an overall tally of 11 gold, five silver and three bronze medals.

Nigeria, meanwhile, managed one gold, three silver and one bronze medal on Thursday’s events, dropping to second place as the championship battle gathered intensity.

Team Algeria maintained consistency to hold on to their position among the leading nations. 

After ending Day 1 with three gold and five silver medals, the North Africans added three silver and three bronze medals to raise their total haul to three gold, eight silver and three bronze medals.

Egypt also enjoyed a remarkable rise up the standings. 

Having finished Day 1 behind Benin Republic with only three bronze medals, the Egyptians responded strongly on Day 2 with three gold, one silver and four bronze medals. 

Their resurgence lifted them to third place overall with three gold, one silver and seven bronze medals.

Benin Republic, who occupied fourth place after the opening day courtesy of two silver medals and one bronze, failed to add to their tally on Thursday but still retained their position.

With the competition entering Day 3 on Friday, attention now turns to whether Nigeria can reclaim top spot from South Africa before the championships conclude on Sunday, May 17.