The Nigeria Olympic Committee, NOC, secretariat erupted in celebration yesterday when they received the remaining five gold medals won by Nigeria’s 4X400 metres relay quartet at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games following the disqualification of the USA team who were the original winners over dope violations.
Secretary General of NOC, Honourable Tunde Popoola could not hold himself yesterday when he shouted that “the gold medals are here”.
The staff led by the Admin Manager, Emmanuel Nweri gathered and Popoola generously popped champagne for the gold medals.
The remaining five gold medals are for late Sunday Bada, Nduka Awazie, Jude Monye, Clement Chukwu and Fidelis Gazama. Enefiok Udobong, the other member of the squad had received his medal because he was the first to return his silver medal to the International Olympic Committee, IOC.
The USA team that won the gold medals were disqualified because of late Antonio Pettigrew”s confession to having used banned performance-enhancing drugs at the time.
With Nigeria elevated to the top position, Jamaica were promoted to silver and Bahamas the bronze.
“This is a massive thing that calls for celebration and we are going to have an elaborate celebration for it. We want the President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan and other eminnent Nigerians in attendance”, an overwhelmed Popoola said.
NOC President, Engr Sani M. Ndanusa also congratulated the Nigerian athletes and praised them for writing Nigeria’s name in gold noting that it is an indication of good thing for Team Nigeria.
via nigerianeye
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