By PAUL EWUZIE
The President of Commonwealth Games Nigeria, Habu Gumel has heaped praises on Team Nigeria athletes for their performances in past editions of the multisports event which ensured that the country emerged as a formidable contender in global sports.
“Since our inaugural participation in the Commonwealth Games in 1950, our national profile at this quadrennial event has shown remarkable progress.
“From securing a solitary silver medal at the Auckland 1950 Games, to an impressive tally of 12 Gold, 9 silver and 14 bronze medals at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, Nigerian athletes have consistently done well.
“They have demonstrated their prowess at international events and have brought pride to the country.”
To help Team Nigeria athletes improve on their last record set at the last Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, Gumel who is also the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) solicited the continued support of the Federal Government, especially as it concerned the approval and timely release of funds to facilitate the team’s preparation for the Games.
It would be recalled that earlier this month, President Bola Tinubu had promised to unite the country through various sporting activities while receiving the King’s Baton ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games scheduled to hold between July 23 and Aug. 2, 2026, in Glasgow Scotland.
The President, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, said the present administration was committed to uniting Nigeria through sports.
“We reiterate our dedication to promoting peace through sports.
“The arrival of the King’s Baton in Nigeria on June 27, is a testament of our commitment to the Commonwealth family and the ideals it represents.
“The arrival of the King’s Baton is more than just a relay, it is an opportunity to showcase our rich cultural heritage, vibrant diversity and boundless potential.
“It allows us to reiterate our dedication to peace, understanding our sustainable development through the unifying power of sports.
“We recognise the symbolism of this baton, much like the Olympic Torch, ignites a collective passion and shared anticipation and renewed determination as we look forward to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
“Our athletes have consistently demonstrated their prowess on the global stage and brought glory and honour to our country.
“Nigeria has continued to shine since our first participation in 1950 and we are determined to build on these successes.”
It was a record-smashing outing for Team Nigeria at the 2022 Commonwealth Games (CWG) in Birmingham. Medals were raked in at an exceptional rush while Nigerian athletes broke several records in the competition.
Team Nigeria won 12 gold medals in the competition — the country’s highest haul in the history of the CWG.
Amazingly, all the gold medals were won by female athletes who took the tracks and gymnasiums in Birmingham by storm. Tobi Amusan surged to the finish line in 12.30 seconds in the final of the women’s 100-meter hurdles to set a CWG record. Ese Brume registered a record-setting 7-metre leap in the long jump.
Nigeria finished the competition with 35 medals — 12 gold, nine silver, and 14 bronze to finish 7th on the medal table on the final day. Athletics provided the most medals for Nigeria with 10 podium finishes, followed by wrestling with seven.
