As action continues at the Commonwealth Games, Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC) Bukola Olopade, has expressed confidence that the nation remains on course to achieve its medal targets in Glasgow.
Ruth Asuquo Nyong increased the medal count of Team Nigeria by winning silver in the women’s 48kg weightlifting event with a combined lift of 168kg, made up of 75kg in the snatch and 93kg in the clean and jerk.
The NSC DG stated that the result was another pointer that Nigeria’’s medal projections remain on track.
“If the projections of the Elite Board are anything to go by, we’re still on track. Even for Ruth, the expectation was a bronze medal and she won a silver. It’s an upward progression rather than downward,” Olopade told the NSC media.
“I was with the athletics team last night and we’re hoping that seven to eight gold medals can come from there.
“I am very proud of the young men and women and officials I have had the opportunity to work with over the past one and a half years. Many people are saying they can see an identity in our sports again after a long time, and that on its own is a gold medal,” he said.
Olopade reassured that the welfare of athlete remains at the heart of the Commission’s reforms under the leadership of Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko.
“Athletes work hard every day and deserve to feel acknowledged and respected. Yes, it’s about patriotism, but it’s also about reward and looking after one another. We trust they will continue to make Nigeria proud,” Olopade stated.
