Excitedly, team Nigeria arrived earlier today by 3:10pm via Emirate Airline from the just concluded 21st Commonwealth games which took place Gold Coast, Australia. While briefing newsmen, Mrs. Tayo Oraweme (Director of Federations & Elite Athletes Department) said, “Its not just the responsibility of the government to finance and promote Sports only but the private sectors need to come and invest, partner, because there is alot to gain” she concluded.
According to defending Champion Adekuoroye Odunayo who also won a Gold medal in the female Wrestling (57kg) told us that, “I have been there before and i was sure of defending my title which i eventually did but i am targeting World Champions and 2020 Toyoko Olympics” she added. Also, famous Blessing Oborodudu the current Gold medalist in female Wrestling at (67kg) confirmed that, she has meant her target aftermath handwork although, she is now looking forward to World Championship which will be held in September, 2018.
Further more, Para-Athletics Suwaibidu Galadinma that pick a Gold during the 100 T47 expressed satisfaction and hope to win more medals. Also, Patience Okon George the female 400m athletes explained, “everything was fine in Gold Coast because we won some medals and we are pleased”. Meanwhile, Sunday Adeleye (AFN Technical Director), “We are grateful to God, but we will bring more result next time. Despite winning 1 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze, nobody gave us the chance but we later prove ourselves. However, he talked about inexperience but since work is in progress, as they are preparing for Africa Senior Championship, he’s optimistic the future is bright with the youths recovered from athletics”.
Nevertheless, there’s “ability in disability” as the Para-Sports athletes has won more medals for the country compare to able body athletes. In addition, Power-lifting president Mrs. Queen Idris Uboh speaking to newsmen, “I told them before contesting, i am here to serve you all although, i am pleading to all State government to improve their facilities and support this unstoppable athletes with great zeal and passion to win medals. She continued, don’t just say you don’t want buggers around but they need assistant. More also, they performed will at Gold Coast with 4 gold, 2 silver and 1 world record. “We want Nigerians to appreciate them” she concluded. Coach Are said, they are glad, as he retairated the continuous success in 2012, 2014, 2018 Commonwealth success. He further said, “My advice for other Coaches is handwork rather than looking into monetary benefit before they can work”.
However, Reul Ishaku the current (Vice-president of Para-Weightlifting), our athletes face double challenges that the able athletes face but they are still committed, because since they arrived Australia late, they still deliver after getting used to the weather. We are the current world best team but we need encouragement at-lease from States government and Co-operate bodies in order to sustain the achievement. Besides, we want to host Int’l para-power lifting championship which required (4) four major sponsors from Nigeria”. I am impressed with their performance he concluded. Also, Esther Onyema (50kg) and Ezeruike Roland Obumneke that lifted (194kg) were both super excited while talking to the Press, hope to do more at the forthcoming World Championship before heading for Toyoko 2020.
Conclusively, in fulfillment of the Federal Government promise to the competing athletes, former head of State (Hon.) Yakubu Gowon (Rtd) did the presentation as athletes received cash prizes of the sum of $5,000 for (Gold), $3000 for (Silver), $2,000 for (Bronze) alongside Certificate of participation/merit awards. Meanwhile, the closing ceremony and presentation was supervised by Barr. Solomon Selcap Dalung (MYSD) others present are Engr. Habu Gumel (NOC) president, (Hon.) Daniel Igali Wrestling president, who gave $1000 dollars to each of his athletes that won Gold…Indeed, he’s a leader by example as the Olympian is known for rewarding his athletes and put smiles on their faces.
