TheCable

The first batch of Team Nigeria athletes to the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham on Wednesday got a heroic welcome by the federal government when they arrived in Abuja.

Nigeria won a total of 35 medals, lifting the country to the 7th position on the medals table.

Speaking at the Abuja airport reception, Ismaila Abubakar, permanent secretary, ministry of youth and sports development, said the country is grateful to the athletes over their historic performance at the games.

“We are proud of you and ready to support you to soar higher,” he said.

In a statement released by the ministry, Sunday Dare commended President Muhammadu Buhari for creating the enabling environment that ensured the realisation of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

“I also thanked the top management and staff of the ministry, the Nigeria Olympic Committee as well as the coaches and officials for their commitment to the development of sports in the country,” the statement reads.

Ismaila Abubakar, the permanent secretary, federal ministry of youth and sports development, had earlier  commended Team Nigeria for lifting the country’s flag high among the committee of nations.

Peter Nelson, director, National Sports Festival & Para Sports (NSF & PS) department, also reiterated the ministry’s commitment to ensuring the realisation of the present administration’s policy thrust in youth and sports development.

Blessing Oborodudu, the two-time Commonwealth gold medalist, who spoke on behalf of the athletes, described Buhari as the “father of sports in contemporary Nigeria.”

“We did our best for Nigeria because of the enormous encouragement we got from the federal government and millions of Nigerians and we look forward to breaking new and enviable world records at future competitions,” she said.