President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged a grand reception for Team Nigeria’s athletes at the just-concluded Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England…but only after they “have tightened things up,” according to the country’s sports minister.
Nigeria recorded a remarkable performance, winning 12 gold, nine silver, and 14 bronze medals to achieve its best performance at the Games.
Speaking to the team ahead of their departure for Nigeria, yesterday, Youth and Sports Development Minister, Sunday Dare, said a grateful country is planning a grand reception for them, adding that President Buhari is waiting to honor them.
Dare praised the athletes for bringing glory to the country, saying: “I followed every moment of your competition. I was in Birmingham from the beginning till I had to leave for other official engagements. So many Nigerians followed you too. We are all so proud of what you achieved for Nigeria and yourselves.
“Mr. President is also very proud of you and has approved that a presidential gathering is held to honor you for the historic feat at Birmingham 2022.
“We will immediately start to plan for the reception and once we have tightened things up, we will announce the date, invite you over from your different bases and you will have that privilege of meeting Mr. President.”
Earlier in a congratulatory message, Buhari said: “I salute the memorable display of Team Nigeria athletes and I commend the 94 worthy ambassadors that proudly flew the Nigerian flag in nine sporting events 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.”
The president praised Nigerian women for being at the forefront of bringing honor to the country. He added: “it is noteworthy that the majority of the medals, including 12 gold for the country, were championed by our talented young women and girls.