AS the Commonwealth Games ends, Nigerian female athletes have outperformed their male colleagues by clinching all of the country’s 12 gold medals.
On Sunday, Ese Brume let loose and hit 7.00 metres in her final attempt in the Women’s long jump final. By doing so, she set a new championship record and sealed Nigeria’s last gold medal at the tournament.
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With that performance, she joined Tobi Amusan as a tournament record holder, with the latter setting a new fastest-time in the 100m hurdles final.
The two women added their names to an accomplished list of Nigerian gold medalists at this edition of the tournament.
The gold medalists include Rosemary Chukwuma, Eucharia Njideka Iyiazi, Goodness Chiemerie Nwachukwu, Nzubechi Grace Nwokocha and Favour Ofili.
Other Nigerian gold medalists at the games were: Chioma Onyekwere, Joy Chinenye Uno Gabriel, Alice Folashade Oluwafemiayo, Rafiatu Folashade Lawal, Adijat Adenike Olarinoye, Odunayo Folashade Adekuroye, Miesinnei Mercy Genesis, and Blessing Oborududu.
They won medals across the board, from 4 x 100m Relay, Discus Throw to Freestyle Wrestling and Para Powerlifting, among other sports.
These fourteen athletes have imprinted their names in history, and on doing so secured Nigeria’s largest gold medal haul since the games began in 1950.
The athletes’ performances have garnered nationwide admiration, including special praise from The President.
In a statement released on Sunday, President Muhammadu Buhari expressed his pride in their achievements and labelled it ‘a special moment and fitting parting gift’ for his ‘last Commonwealth Games as Head of State’.
On the other hand, Nigeria’s male athletes failed to grab any gold medals for the country.
Nigeria ends the tournament with twelve gold, nine silver and fourteen bronze medals.
Joel currently monitors and writes stories affecting the local political and sports atmosphere. In his spare time, he strives to accentuate data privacy legislation on the continent.
Additionally, Joel regularly curates tactical analyses on football–check his Twitter page (@crunchpick) for more.