The National Sports Commission (NSC) has been showered with credit for the early surge of two gold medals and one silver by Nigeria’s weightlifters at the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, where the country got more honours on Monday.
Sports247 reports that applause for the NSC was led by Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) president, Dr Ibrahim Abdul, who hailed the commission’s instant cash awards and improved welfare package for the rain of medals the country is achieving.
Abdul started his reel of plaudits after seeing Ruth Asuquo Nyong get silver in the women’s 48kg event, as she lifted a total of 168kg – with 75 kg in the snatch as well as 93kg lift in clean and jerk – to finish second behind India’s Mirabai Chanu Saikhom.
The medals’ surge continued on Monday, when Edidiong Joseph Umoafia gained Team Nigeria’s fourth gold medal in Glasgow, as the 23-year-old lifter won the men’s 71kg event and smashed the Commonwealth Games record with a spectacular combined total lift of 319kg.
Sensationally, by Monday afternoon, Nigeria had clinched a very impressive fifth gold medal in Glasgow, as Onome Omolola Didih won the women’s weightlifting 53kg event and also smashed the Games’ record in the process.
While urging other Nigerian weightlifters to draw inspiration from the early successes, Abdul expressed appreciation to NSC chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the director-general, Honourable Bukola Olopade for providing incentives and encouragement that contributed to the impressive performances.
Abdul stated gleefully, “The incentives, encouragement and welfare package provided by the National Sports Commission have greatly motivated the athletes. It is evident that the athletes are going the extra mile, because they know their efforts are appreciated.
“We sincerely appreciate the chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the director-general, Honourable Bukola Olopade, for their unwavering support. That support has boosted confidence and determination to deliver for Nigeria.
“I want to encourage every member of our weightlifting contingent to remain focused and believe in their abilities. I urge the rest of our athletes to go out there, give their best and do the Federation and Nigeria proud by excelling in their events.”
