Tokyo Olympics: Oborududu, Brume lead Team Nigeria back to rousing Abuja welcome

Team Nigeria was led back to the country by Sunday Dare, minister of youth and sports development and other officials.

Team Nigeria at the Tokyo Olympics arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja on Saturday to a rousing welcome after more than two weeks of participation at the global sporting spectacle.

The contingent including Silver winning wrestler Blessing Oborududu and Long Jump Bronze medalist Ese Brum touched down in the afternoon, a day before the official closing ceremony.

Ms Brume won Nigeria’s first medal at the fiesta with a leap of 6.97 metres to claim bronze behind second-placed Britttany Reece of the U.S. and gold medalist Maliaka Mihambo of Germany.

Ms Oborududu on the other hand got Nigeria’s second medal with a silver in the 68kg freestyle women wrestling.

Team Nigeria was placed 74 on the medals table as at Saturday.

Team Nigeria was led back to the country by Sunday Dare, minister of youth and sports development and other officials, with the minister commending the efforts and resilience of the athletes.

The medalists, draped in the country’s flag colour of green white green and with their laurels hanging around their necks, were the cynosure of all eyes who had trooped to the airport to catch a glimpse of their stars.

“This medal is dedicated to all Nigerians that believe and supported me,” Ms Oborududu said at a brief ceremony at the airport.

Ms Brume also thanked her coach, officials and all Nigerians for the support before and during the games. She said her podium finish at Tokyo was due to hard work and support from Nigerians.