The Nigeria Deaf Sports Federation took second after winning eight medals for the country in the maiden Africa Deaf Athletics Championships in Nairobi, Kenya.
The federation’s Secretary, Lukman Agbabiaka, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja that Nigeria came second out of 12 countries that participated in the seven days event.
Agbabiaka said Nigeria won a total of eight medals comprising two gold, five silver and one bronze at the championships that started on September 16 and ended on September 22 at Moi International Stadium, Kasarani, Nairobi, Kenya.
He said: “We commend our athletes for making us proud in the championships.
“We are happy that Nigeria placed second with each athlete winning medals which was a good performance.
“The host country took first position by winning a total of 54 medals comprising 20 gold, 16 silver and 18 bronze.
“We all know that Kenya is always number one whenever they participate in any athletics championships in the continent.
“We will work harder to maintain our position in the next edition. We congratulate our athletes for the work well done.”
The secretary disclosed that the federation got a loan to be able to send its athletes to participate in the maiden championships.
Agbabiaka said: “We were able to send five athletes and a coach to participate in the championships.
“We did not want to disappoint these athletes who have been training for long.
“We had to go on borrowing pending when we get approval from the government.
“Fortunately, one of the former athletes from Lagos, who is now based in the US, was able to assist with flight tickets for two of the athletes.
“He also bailed us out on full board hotel accommodation for the whole five athletes and official.
“This is to show the level of commitment and determination they have for the development of: ‘Deaf sports.’”
The secretary said five athletes comprising of four males and one female participated in the competition.
He gave their names as: Nurudeen Badmus, Uche Nwabenu, Temitope Olaniyan, Obinna Egbo and the female athlete, Assurance Omoria.
Agbabiaka listed the countries as Nigeria, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Algeria, Uganda, Libya, Cameroon, Tanzania, Botswana, Mozambique, Ghana and the host country Kenya.
NAN.
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