Amusan, Oborodudu, Adekuoroye ready to defend titles as Commonwealth Games begin

The girl of the moment, Tobi Amusan, Blessing Oborodudu, Odunayo Adekuoroye are set to lead Team Nigeria’s chase for medals as the 2022 Commonwealth Games get underway today in Birmingham, England.

Still basking in the euphoria of her recent triumph at the World Athletics Championship in Oregon, USA, where she smashed the 100m hurdles World record, Amusan will be defending her Commonwealth gold which she won in Gold Coast, Australia.

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Other Star athletes who are expected to sparkle for Team Nigeria include Oborodudu who won gold in the Women’s -68kg category, Adekuoroye will also defend her gold medal in the Women’s wrestling -57kg category, just as Aminat Adeniyi who won gold in the -62kg event will also fancy her chances in the same event.

Table Tennis contingent is led by Nigeria and Africa’s poster boy, Aruna Quadri as well as Olajide Omotayo among others.

Meanwhile, a huge and enthusiastic crowd of officials and athletes watched as Team Nigeria hoisted the national flag at the athletes village with Nigerian artist, Kizz Daniel’s trending song ‘Buga’ creating a rapturous scene.

What was meant to be a small ceremony turned out big as athletes from other countries jumped in showing off their dancing skills to the Buga song.

The Secretary General of Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Banji Oladapo who was delighted with the reception given to Team Nigeria said that Nigeria would fight for all medals, exhibiting discipline and respect while abiding by the rules of the Games.

Over 5,000 athletes will compete in 19 different sports as England hosts the event for the third time in its history.

Team Nigeria will be represented by 127 athletes in 17 disciplines at the Games.

It would be recalled that at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, Team Nigeria represented by 88 athletes in eight events won nine gold, nine silver and six bronze to place the ninth position on the medals table.