It was indeed a historical feat in the just concluded 11-day 2022 Commonwealth Games which took place in Birmingham, as Nigeria, for the first time ever since she began playing in the Games from the year 1950, won 12 gold, 9 silver and 14 bronze medals, a total of 35 medals that saw her sit seventh on the medals table.
In response to the great feat achieved, President Muhammadu Buhari in all ecstacy, has invited members of the historic Team Nigeria who represented the country at the Commonwealth Games, to a Presidential reception as confirmed by Sunday Dare, Minister of Youth and Sports Development.
Speaking with the athletes on Monday 8, the last day of the games, Dare applauded the team for their success at the tournament, and revealed to them that plans were being put in place for a presidential reception in their honour.
He said, “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 reception be held to honour 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.
“Nigeria will appreciate you for the great acts of sacrifice, patriotism and determination to excel that you all have demonstrated here, whether you have a medal around your neck or not.”
Monday, August 8 marked the last day of the 11-day Commonwealth Games in Birmingham with World and Commonwealth gold medallist Tobi Amusan, Team Nigeria’s flag bearer at the closing ceremony.
Meanwhile, Australia ended the event as champions with 178 medals, 67 gold, 57 silver and 54 bronze medals. England finished second with 57 gold, 66 silver and 53 bronze with Canada occupying the third position with a total of 92 medals.
India, New Zealand and Scotland sit in the fourth, fifth and sixth positions respectively. Wales, South Africa and Malaysia complete the top 10.