Build On Commonwealth Games’ Success, Buhari Tasks Sports Ministry, Stakeholders

President Muhammadu Buhari has charged the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, led by Chief Sunday Dare, Sports Federations and Associations in the country to build on the successful conclusion and performance of Team Nigeria at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

Team Nigeria amassed 12 gold, 9 silver and 14 bronze, a total of 35 medals. The gold medal haul is the highest at a single Commonwealth Games for Team Nigeria, representing its best performance ever.

The President in a statement by his media aide, Femi Adesina, expressed delight at several reports of peaceful atmosphere, unity and camaraderie in the camp throughout the Games, which reflected positively in the psyche of the athletes, contributing to the harvest of medals for Team Nigeria.

President Buhari urged the officials to work with all relevant stakeholders to build on the success of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, begin early and earnest preparations to surpass this spectacular achievement in upcoming competitions.

President Buhari looks forward to a rousing reception from Nigerians for members of Team Nigeria Birmingham 2022, even as he assures all stakeholders that youth and sports development will remain a priority for this administration.

Meanwhile, the Sports Minister Sunday Dare, has predicted bright future for Nigerian sports, saying the impressive feats recorded by Team Nigeria’s athletes at the Birmingham Games signal a brighter and better future for Nigerian sports development.

Dare described the performance as excellent, inspirational, phenomenal, commendable and commanding.

“This is a performance like no other,” Dare said on Monday, “many new records were set, old records broken, long standing jinxes of not getting on the podium in some sports were destroyed. This sign posts a brighter and better future for Nigerian sports development.”

“I congratulate all our sports men and women, not just those that won medals but all those who competed. I appreciate their sacrifice, commitment, confidence and patriotism.”

“I am proud of them, Nigeria is proud of them and I believe that the Nigerian spirit that led them to these performances will lead them to the place of excellence,” Dare said.