British envoy hails Nigeria’s 24-medal haul at Commonwealth Games

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The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, has commended Team Nigeria for its outstanding performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, describing the country’s 24-medal haul as a huge achievement.

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Montgomery gave the commendation on Friday in Abuja at a reception hosted by the British High Commission to celebrate Team Nigeria’s participation and achievements at the Games.

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Nigeria finished seventh overall and emerged as Africa’s highest-ranked nation at the Games, winning 24 medals comprising 10 gold, seven silver and seven bronze medals.

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Commending the athletes, Montgomery said, “Amazing achievements in these games and as we hoped actually at the British High Commission here you excelled yourself. I understand there are about 200 medallists in the whole Commonwealth Games and you secured 24 of them.

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“You emerged two of the top ranked African nations but you also beat many other that are much better resourced. There were over 74 countries and territories represented in the games so it’s such a huge achievement and you’ve done a fantastic job and you’ve made your country proud.”

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The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, thanked the British High Commission for its support to the Nigerian delegation, particularly the prompt issuance of visas that enabled athletes and officials to participate in the Games.

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“On behalf of myself and the government of Nigeria, the people of Nigeria, I sincerely thank the British High Commission for hosting Nigeria Olympians this evening and for the exceptional support extended to our delegation, particularly the prompt issuance of our visas that enable our athletes, officials and delegates to participate in the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games,” Dikko said.

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He described Nigeria’s performance as “highly successful”, noting that the country won 10 of Africa’s 22 gold medals at the Games.

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“Indeed, the games were highly successful for Nigeria. Team Nigeria finished as Africa’s highest-ranked nation, 7th overall, winning 24 medals comprising 10 gold, 7 silver and 7 bronze,” he said.

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Dikko also said Nigerian athletes set three of the six world records recorded during the Games, while several others broke competition and national records.

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He also disclosed that Nigeria was being positioned to host the 2034 Commonwealth Games after African countries agreed to support the country’s bid.

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The Deputy Secretary-General of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Mohammed Baba Abdullahi, who represented the committee’s president, also congratulated Team Nigeria for its performance.

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The Nigeria team captain, Oluwafemi Ayo Fonoshade, expressed appreciation to the British High Commission for its support.

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“Responding to our visa quickly is one of the successes you have given us, so we say a very big thank you,” Fonoshade said.

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