Nigeria’s lone International Olympic Committee member, Habu Ahmed Gumel, says it feels good to present medals to victorious athletes at the ongoing Rio de Janeiro Games.
Gumel, who is also the current President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday that it would be better if the medal was given to a Nigerian.
He said though Nigeria had yet to get on the medals table, “all hopes are not lost.
“I presented medals in weightlifting and Wrestling and I felt bad as the Nigerians in those events crashed out in front of me.
“It was dampening.
“I have been assured by the Athletic Federation of Nigeria that athletics are not over yet.
“I have also been re-assured by Daniel Igali, President, Nigeria Wrestling Federation, that we should keep hopes alive.
“I plead with Nigerians to continue to pray and support Team Nigeria.
“I felt bad that the Dream Team IV lost 0-2 to Germany.
“Hopefully, we win the third place match to win the bronze medal.”
Gumel, who is the President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation, said he would still present medals in the Volleyball finals on the closing day of the Games.
He said he had been unhappy about our shoddy preparations, saying: “There is need more than ever before to approach preparations for Tokyo Games in good time.
“The world is already focussed on the next Games.
“We must change our attitude and planning.
“Nigeria is a great sporting nation.
“We must begin to think more positively.”
Medal presentation are honours to those who have attained certain heights as administrators, past sportsmen and women as well as supporters and promoters of sport.
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