The federal government is optimistic that Team Nigeria will perform spectacularly in the 2022 Commonwealth Games slated to kick off on July 28, 2022, in Birmingham.
This position by the federal government is hinged on the series of competitions processed by the Nigerian athletes, including participating in the African Senior Athletics Championships in Saint Pierre, Mauritius from June 8 – 12 last month.
In a statement by the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, at the residence of the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, on Thursday, he noted that the tourneys have indisputably strengthened Team Nigeria in all ramifications.
He added that some athletes of Team Nigeria are presently in the United States for the World Athletics Championships in Oregon.
“The last few months have toughened our athletes,” Sports Minister admitted.
“As I speak now, some of them are in Eugene, Oregon, United States of America for the World Athletics Championships.
“Before now, some were in Mauritius for the African Senior Athletics Championships.
“By being part of these competitions, I can say that Team Nigeria is fit and ready. We will compete with determination and fairly,” Dare assured.
Furthermore, Sports Minister stressed that the ministry have been very supportive of the athletes, adding that with what has been put in place, success is within Team Nigeria’s grasp.
Dare added, “As a Ministry, we have tried to provide resources as much as we can afford for our athletes to be well prepared and we are sure of great success.”
The British High Commissioner, Catriona Laing expressed delight at the opportunity to host Team Nigeria for a farewell reception.
According to her, “I know the Team Nigeria athletes will do this nation proud. I know they have worked extremely hard, put in so many hours of training and competing to represent Nigeria.
“Do not forget those sacrifices you have made, and use that memory, that muscle memory, that energy to pull through your most challenging moments. In the end, it is only you who can give your best,” Laing advised.
She continued: “Birmingham is a modern and bustling metropolis and one of the most diverse cities as well as being a truly multicultural destination.
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“There are a lot of Nigerians leaving in the cities which makes getting access to African delicacies within reach,” the British High Commissioner revealed.
Also, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engineer Habu Gumel, urged the Nigerian athletes to be good ambassadors.
Gumel appreciated the British High Commissioner for the kind gesture for hosting the team.
He said, “I am confident in the ability of Birmingham to host the rest of the Commonwealth successfully.
Nigeria will be competing in nine sports at the Games. The sports are; Athletics, Boxing, Judo, Wrestling, Weightlifting, Table Tennis, Para Athletics, Para Power lifting and Para Table Tennis.
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