Chief Solomon Ogba: Team Nigeria's Commonwealth Games Performance Impressive Despite Setbacks, U-20 Team Ready for Eugene

Chief Solomon Ogba: Team Nigeria's Commonwealth Games Performance Impressive Despite Setbacks, U-20 Team Ready for Eugene

Ohis Asein

The First Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Chief Solomon Ogba, has praised Team Nigeria's performance at the just-concluded Commonwealth Games, describing the country's outing as impressive despite a few unfortunate setbacks.

Ogba, a former President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), said Team Nigeria could have achieved even greater success if not for adverse weather conditions and the unfortunate absence of sprinter Blessing Ogundiran, who was unable to compete due to health challenges.

According to him, the difficult weather conditions affected some events, while the loss of one of Nigeria's key athletes denied the country an opportunity to improve its medal tally.

"The Commonwealth Games performance was impressive despite some mishaps, which were largely due to the weather conditions and the inability of Blessing Ogundiran to compete because of health issues," Ogba said.

Speaking on the ongoing World Athletics U-20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, the former AFN president expressed confidence in the Nigerian team, describing it as a talented and competitive squad capable of making the country proud.

He, however, noted that the late issuance of visas created a minor setback for the team's preparations and travel.

"The U-20 team is a solid one and should perform well. The late arrival of their visas is a challenge, but I believe they have the quality to overcome it and give a good account of themselves," he added.

Chief Ogba expressed optimism that the junior athletes would rise above the challenges and deliver commendable performances, while urging them to compete with confidence and determination as they represent Nigeria on the world stage.