President Muhammadu Buhari has celebrated the athletes that represented Nigeriia in the 22nd Commonwealth Games, Birmingham 2022.
In a statement by his spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, Buhari saluted the memorable display of Team Nigeria athletes and commended the 94 ambassadors that proudly flew the Nigerian flag in nine sporting events.
He commended them for those exciting moments when the medalists’ brought smiles to people’s faces by breaking world, national and games records, as well as achieving personal bests in their careers.
He noted with delight the 35 medals, including 12 gold, 9 silver and 14 bronze harvested already on the late evening of the 10th day of the Games, and more medals likely for the country on the last day,
The president thanked the shining stars of Nigeria for competing among the best in the world and displaying the God-given attributes of the real Nigerian- never give up, strive to the end.
He said it is noteworthy that the majority of the medals so far, including 12 gold for the country, were championed by the nation’s talented young women and girls.
These, he said, include multi medalist Tobi Amusan (100m Women’s Hurdle and 4x100m Relay), Favour Ofili, Rosemary Chukwuma, Grace Nwokocha (4x100m Relay) and Miesinnei Mercy Genesis (50 kg),
Others are, Blessing Oborududu (57 kg) and Odunayo Adekuoroye (57kg) in Women’s Freestyle wrestling; as well as Adijat Adenike Olarinoye (55kg) and Rafiatu Folashade Lawal (59kg) in Women’s weightlifting.
Other gold medalists are Folashade Oluwafemiayo, Women’s heavyweight Para Powerlifting, Eucharia Iyiazi, Women’s shot put, Chioma Onyekwere and Goodness Nwachukwu in Women’s Discus throw, and Ese Brume, long jump.
‘‘We are proud of these achievements and the memories will linger with the nation forever and for me this is a special moment and a fitting parting gift, being my last Commonwealth Games as Head of State,” he said.
He also lauded the coaching crew and team officials for their passion for the development of sports in the country,adding that history would remember them for all their contributions to making the athletes shine in the international arena
