President Muhammadu Buhari has joined millions of Nigerians in celebrating Team Nigeria’s medals haul at the 22nd Commonwealth Games, Birmingham 2022.

The president watched some colourful and spectacular moments in the 11-day competition, which had no fewer than 5,000 athletes representing 72 nations and territories, competing in 280 medal events.

His media aide Femi Adesina, in a statement on Sunday, said Mr Buhari saluted the display of the Nigerian athletes. He commended the 94 athletes that represented Nigeria.

He lauded 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 career.

He noted with delight the 35 medals, including 12 gold, nine silver and 14 bronze won on the 10th day of the competition. The president thanked the athletes for competing among the best in the world.

According to Mr Buhari, the medals haul were championed by “young women and girls.” These, he said, included multimedalist Tobi Amusan (100m Women’s Hurdle and 4x100m Relay), Favour Ofili, Rosemary Chukwuma, Grace Nwokocha (4x100m Relay) and Miesinnei Mercy Genesis (50 kg). Other 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.

The president also praised the coaching crew and team officials for the passion for sports development in the country. He assured them that history would remember them for all their contributions in making the athletes shine in the international arena. 

(NAN)