How Nigeria Surprised The World At 2022 Common Wealth Games. Read Details

 

Nigerian athletes raised the country’s flag above their counterparts as they emerged as the highest ranked African country at the recently concluded 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The West African nation once again proved to be the giant of Africa following a seventh place finish at the multi-sport event held in Birmingham, England.

With the outstanding display by the likes of Tobi Amusan, Adijat Adenike, Goodness Chiemere, and other athletes, Team Nigeria secured 12 gold, 9 silver, and 14 bronze.

Closest in rank to Nigeria was South Africa who finished ninth with seven gold, nine silver, and eleven bronze.

Nigeria’s seventh place finish was an improvement as compared to their outing in 2018 where they finished ninth with  9 gold, 9 silver, and 6 bronze.

Unlike 2018, year’s edition of the tournament saw Nigerian athletes achieving remarkable feats.

Tobi Amusan broke the 100m hurdles world record following her 12.12 seconds finish at the Semi-final.

She went ahead to finish the final with 12.06 seconds, breaking her own record she set two hours earlier.

Similarly, long-jump athlete, Eze Brume, broke the women’s long-jump record with 7.00 metres jump  upbeat Australia’s Brooke Buschkuehl 6.95metres initial record while earning gold in the process.

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Other gold medalists for Nigeria include, Adijat Adenike (Weightlifting), Rafiatu Folashade Lawal (Weightlifting), Chioma Onyekwere (Discus Throwing), Eucharia Nyideka (Shot Put), Alice Folashade, Oborodudu Blessing, among others.

Across the 26 games that make up the Commonwealth tournament, Nigeria participated in seven games which include athletics, boxing, judo, para powerlifting, table tennis, weightlifting, and wrestling.

The tournament was, however, dominated by Australia who retained the first position with 67 gold, 57 silver, and 54 bronze.

Falling behind Australia to claim the second spot was the host nation, England, who recorded 57 gold, 66 silver, and 53 bronze.

Meanwhile, the third position was occupied by Canada with 26 gold, 32 silver, and 34 bronze.