The first batch of Team Nigeria athletes to the just concluded Commonwealth Games in Birmingham has been given a heroic welcome by the Federal Government on their arrival after their successful outing.

Receiving the athletes and their officials at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport yesterday in Abuja, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, applauded the excellent performance of the Team, which led to the harvest of 35 medals, lifting the country to the 7th position on the world record of sporting countries.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, the Minister expressed the joy of the entire country over their outstanding achievement, which was the first in the history of the nation

According to him, the character and discipline exhibited by the Team in Birmingham as well as the hard work and resources committed by the present administration to sports added up to make the Team excel at the World level.

“We are proud of you. We are also ready to give you all the support needed to make you soar higher and higher,” he said.

The Minister particularly thanked God for granting the athletes journey mercies back to Nigeria while also appreciating President Muhammadu Buhari for creating the enabling environment that ensured the realisation of the 2022 Commonwealth Games

Dare further thanked the top management and staff of the Ministry, the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), led by Engr. Habu Gumel as well as the coaches and officials for their commitment to the development of sports in the country.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Abubakar commended Team Nigeria for lifting the country’s flag high among the committee of nations.