Ernest Osogbue.
The Nigerian contingent to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, was sent off in high spirits yesterday, as President Tinubu and officials of the NSC, charged them to “go make your country proud and come home to a grateful nation.”
It was an unprecedented send forth for a Nigerian sports contingent, as both sportswriters, stakeholders, and various sports enthusiasts, graced a colorful ceremony at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, to wish the athletes a rousing goodbye. President Tinubu, known for appreciating sporting excellence, kicked off the good will messages with an exciting ceremony at the Aso Villa, where he reminded the athletes to remember their family names, and the name of their country, by competing clean and to excel without blemishes. He reminded them, that he’ll be on ground waiting to reward their excellence if they make Nigeria proud.
As a follow up to the above charge, and back at the media center of the MKO Abiola Stadium, the NSC chairman, Shehu Dikko, his director general, Bukola Olopade, former president of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Solomon Ogba, the immediate past minister of finance, and president of the Nigeria boxing federation, Wale Edun, as well as the Director General of the National Institute of Sports, Comrade Phillip Shuaibu, all echoed the charge of Mr. President, by urging the athletes to be good ambassadors of the nation.
The chairman of the elite athletes and podium committee, Yusuf Ali, increased the exciting tempo of the already charged atmosphere, when he stated in no uncertain terms, that Nigeria would come home with between 16 and 20 gold medals from Glasgow. Glowing in their new kits powered by Puma, the leading athletes for the Nigerian contingent, were presented to the media to great applause as they beamed excitedly in appreciation.
It was indeed a befitting send forth for the Nigerian contingent and kudos must be given to the leadership of the NSC for organizing such an elaborate ceremony, which would in no small way help motivate the athletes to a greater performance. Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade, must be commended for the initiative of making Nigerian athletes feel appreciated and loved before departure for an international competition, it is indeed a welcome development. May Nigeria continue to excel.
