Nigeria Association of Women In Sports (NAWIS) is celebrating female athletes who won gold medals for the country at the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, with a verdict that they were ‘the heartbeat’ of the contingent, Sports247 reports.
NAWIS singled out for particular mention the achievements of Onome Omolola Didih and Rafiatu Lawal in weightlifting, Foloshade Okuwafemiayo and Esther Nworgu para-powelifting as well as Goodness Chiemerie Nwachukwu in para-discus.
The athletes’ commendation from NAWIS is contained in a press statement signed by the association’s president, Professor Maryam Olufunke Suleiman, who noted how the female gold medalists helped Team Nigeria finish seventh on the final table and as the highest ranked African contingent.
The body that promotes active participation by girls and women in the sector, also praised the leadership of National Sports Commission (NSC) for prioritising athletes’ welfare, prompt payment of camp allowances, cash rewards for success and adequate preparations, including camping of the contingent in Aberdeen.
“We especially celebrate our women athletes, who once again proved to be the heartbeat of Team Nigeria. Their grit on the track, mats, in the ring and on the field has surely inspired millions of young girls, across Nigeria and the diaspora, to take up sports and imbibe its virtues.
“While bringing honour to the country, Team Nigeria’s outing in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2 was marked by courage, discipline and a true Nigerian spirit. Our athletes competed with honour and brought immense pride to our nation,” the statement from NAWIS affirmed.
Sports247 reports further that five other females in the contingent also won silver medals – Esther Oyema (lightweight para-powerlifting), Rita Ferdinand (heavyweight para-powerlifting), Ruth Nyong (48kg weightlifting), Ruth Usoro (long jump) and Jessica Oji (shot put).
Six Nigerian female competitors also won bronze medals, namely Temitope Adeshina (high jump), Tobi Amusan (100m hurdles), Ella Onojuvwevwo (400m), Enku Ekuta (63kg judo), as well as Patience Okon-George and Ella Onojuvwevwo (mixed 4x400m relay).
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