President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed the performance of Team Nigeria at the 13th African Games which came to an end on Saturday as the country’s contingent finished in second position behind Egypt.
Welcoming the contingent back from the African Games held in Accra, the Minister of Sports Development Senator John Owan Enoh, on behalf of President Tinubu, said Team Nigeria’s athletes displayed ‘the indomitable Nigerian spirit’ in order to win laurels for the country, adding the government and Nigerians in general were proud of the achievements of the ‘gallant sports men & women’ at the continental multi-sports event.
“On behalf of His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu ,GCFR , I welcome you back to our dear country,” Senator Enoh said.
“I congratulate you for your outstanding performance in the just concluded 13th African Games that held in the Republic of Ghana.
“For two weeks, fifty-two countries fiercely contested for honours in twenty-nine sports; dwelling in the most competitive manner to win laurels for their countries and Nigeria was involved in twenty five of those.
“From our world class athletes who burnt the tracks and triumphed, to our dazzling wrestlers, boxers, weightlifters, and indeed other deserving sportsmen and women who were in imperial form, the indomitable Nigerian spirit was on full display, leaving behind whatever pre games inadequacies. The nation is thankful for the hardwork and sacrifice of your individual and collective efforts”, he added.
Altogether, Team Nigeria won a total of 121 medals, including 47 gold, 33 silver and 41 bronze, an achievement Enoh reckoned was not a mean feat, adding that the government and Nigerians remained proud.
“This indeed is an unforgettable testament for which the government of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians will remain proud of. Thank you great athletes for showcasing the Nigerian strength, resilience and excellence.
“Our sports loving President and the vast majority of Nigerians warmly felicitate you for your gallantry and achievements for putting the country on the firm pedestal as a leading sports powerhouse on the continent of Africa”, Enoh said.
The minister assured that preparations for the 14th African Games to hold in Egypt would begin in earnest , so that Team Nigeria would finish in pole position like it did in 2003 when the country hosted the rest of the continent at Abuja 2003.
He further said the ministry was work ing out ‘a sustainable package of incentives that will continue to put the welfare condition of our sportsmen and women at the fore-front’.
