LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday, joined millions of other sports loving citizens to congratulate Team Nigeria and the coaching crew for making the country proud.
Team Nigeria won 35 medals at the 22nd edition of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
The President, in a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, celebrated the athletes that represented Nigeria gloriously in the competition.
With 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.
According to the president, it was noteworthy that majority of the medals so far, including 12 gold for the country, “were championed by our talented young women and girls, including multi medalist Tobi Amusan (100m Women’s Hurdle and 4x100m Relay), Favour Ofili, Rosemary Chukwuma, Grace Nwokocha (4x100m Relay); Miesinnei Mercy Genesis (50 kg), 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.”
According to him: ‘‘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”.
The president also lauded the coaching crew and team officials for the passion towards the development of sports in the country.
He assured the athletes that history would remember them for all their contributions to sports in Nigeria.