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Commonwealth Games: Buhari Celebrates Team Nigeria As Medal Rises To 35

By Mary Ugwuanyi

August 08, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the athletes that made Nigeria proud at the 22nd edition of the Commonwealth Games, Birmingham 2022.

The competition which began on 28 July, 2022 is expected to end on Monday, 8 August, 2022, had no fewer than 5,00 athletes representing 72 countries, vying for honours in 280 medal games.

President Buhari celebrated the Nigerian athletes for their remarkable outing which culminated in 35 medals. The country had 94 athletes who competed across nine events.

Lauding their performance, the president said, “For those exciting moments when the medalists brought smiles to our faces by breaking world, national and games records, as well as achieving personal bests in their career.”

Among the 35 medals won by Nigerians are 12 gold, 9 silver and 14 bronze. There is a likelihood of more laurels on the late evening of the 10th day of the Games, and more medals likely for the country on the last day.

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President Buhari praised the star performers 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 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.‘‘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 says.

The President also praised the coaching crew and team officials for their dedication and efforts that ensured a successful outing, promising that history will be fair to them.

Source: Vanguard