Nigerian cyclist, Ese Lovina Ukpeseraye was one of the highlights of Day 14 at the Paris Olympics after news emerged that she had borrowed a bicycle from the German Olympic team to compete.

Ukpeseraye who was scheduled to compete in keirin and sprint events was caught in a dilemma as she was unable to secure the necessary equipment ahead of her race due to the short notice of her participation.

In a show of sportsmanship, the German cycling team offered crucial support.

“Due to the short notice of me competing at the keirin & Sprint, #teamNigeria I had no bicycle to race with on the tracks,” Ukpeseraye said in a post via her X handle on Thursday.

“In the spirit of sportsmanship, the German team @bunddeutscherradfahr came to my rescue by offering me a bicycle. Thank you,” Ukpeseraye added.

The report has cast a dark cloud on the continent as it reinforces the lack of preparations by Africa's sports federations ahead of crucial tournaments.

Social media was flooded as Nigerians took to their platforms to express their outrage.

While the conversation persists on social media, below are some facts you probably do not know about her

1. She was born on March 19, 1999.

2. She is the African Cycling Confederation (CAC) Road Championships gold medalist.

3. She finished second at the African Games WE - ITT in 2024.

4. She finished third at the African Games WE - Road Race in 2024

5. She finished 14th at the Veenendaal - Veenendaal Classic in 2024

6. She finished 9th at the 9th African Continental Championships WE - ITT in 2021.

7. She hails from Delta State.

8. She is the only athlete alongside Chief Segun Odegbami to be recognized by Ajunwa’s people in Imo with the award of a Chieftaincy title.

9. She is the only athlete representing Nigeria and Africa in Cycling at the Paris Olympics.

10. She has amassed 167 points from 19 races.