Sodje salutes athletes, Minister over team Nigeria’s feat at Commonwealth Games

Athletes for Team Nigeria take part in the opening ceremony for the Commonwealth Games at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, central England, on July 28, 2022. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)

Former international, Sam Sodje, has said the excellent feat of Team Nigeria athletes at the just-ended Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, the United Kingdom reflects the possibility of the country’s potential to fly high when talents are provided with the right environment.

Nigeria enjoyed the best showing in the history of the Games after the country’s athletes won a whopping 13 gold medals.

Sodje, who was in Birmingham for the Games, said he was enveloped by a sense of pride due to the impressive performance of the country’s athletes.

He congratulated Nigerians, especially Sports Minister Sunday Dare and Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN) President, Tony Okowa, who is also the Executive Chairman, Delta State Sports Commission for reaping the rewards of their efforts.

“The excellent outing of the Nigerian contingent to the just-ended Commonwealth Games, that I personally witnessed, is a sure proof of the excellent work that officials of the nation’s sports sector put in place in developing and preparing our athletes for the Games.

“Notwithstanding the difficulties in managing our sports because of the high expectations of Nigerians, this successful outing only goes to show what our youths can achieve if given the proper environment to perform and all things are properly done for our young men and women to exhibit their God-given talents,” he said.

He expressed optimism that Nigeria will continue to do great things despite the challenges that are presently facing the country once “we remain focused by keeping our eyes on the goal that we