The 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow Scotland has been concluded in style
as countries begin to count their blessings.
At the end of the games Team Nigeria finished in eighth position next to
fellow African side South Africa.
Nigeria amassed a total of 36 medals (11 gold, 11 silver and 14 bronze).
Nigeria’s Sports Minister, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, however praised Blessing
Okagbare, who was the country’s star of the championship and other athletes for
representing the country well as she clinched sprint double in the 100m and
200m but denied a treble by the Jamaican quartet in the women’s 4X100m final.
Danagogo said: Okagbare has shown that with determination you can achieve your
dream in whatever endeavour you set out for yourself. She has been consistent
over the years and has remained focused despite missing the ultimate medal in
some competitions before now.''
''I want to congratulate the other medalists for their effort and hope that
they will build on their successes in Glasgow for future competitions
especially as we begin preparations for the 2016 Olympic Games.''
The Minister however expressed his disappointment after 16-year-old Chika
Amalaha, was stripped of her gold medal for failing a doping test.
''My heart bleeds for this 16-year-old girl,” he said. “She looks too innocent
to commit such an offence. She is naive. We must get to the root of this. The
coaches and our anti-doping officials have questions to answer. Why didn’t they
do their jobs before coming here to disgrace Nigeria?
''It’s disappointing that we have highly placed anti-doping officials who did
not do their jobs. It is embarrassing and severe punishments will be meted out
to those officials either for their involvement or negligence, as a deterrent.''
