By Akeem Lawal
THE Nigerian Green, White, Green flag was on Wednesday raised and the national anthem played at a special ceremony at the athlete's Olympic Games Village located in Barra da Tijuca, close to City of Sports Complex, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Wednesday’s ceremony in the athlete’s village — which included local musical and dance numbers and flag raisings of Nigeria flag amongst other participating countries is the closest thing to the Olympic opening ceremony, Sportsbiz247.blogspot.com reports.
Each team from the 206 countries was welcomed to the Village in a special ceremony led by the Mayor of Rio, Eduardo da Costa Paes, Village Chieftains as well as athletes and officials of the countries.
Team welcome Ceremonies are a key occasion for athletes, team officials and their guests. It acknowledges their journey to the Games and marks the start of their residency in the Village.
The brief but impressive ceremony saw Nigerian athletes in their national colours with the wrestling team dressed in well-tailored suits.
The President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Hon. Daniel Igali posted pictures from the ceremony on his Facebook page said, "The Nigerian flag was raised at a special ceremony at the Athlete Games village in Rio moments ago. The flag was officially raised amongst 6 other countries. Nigeria is now officially in the Rio Olympics. Cheers..."
President of Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr. Habu Gumel who is also a member of International Olympic Committee (IOC), Nigeria's Chef- de- Mission at the games, Christian Ohaa and other Nigerian officials were also in attendance.
Team Nigeria are housed in Block 11, occupying four floors with the Nigerian flag fluttering on top of their Block.
2016 Olympic Games start on Friday in Rio and 75 Nigerian athletes will be competing in 10 sports.
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| Nigeria flag being hoisted at the Games Village. |
Wednesday’s ceremony in the athlete’s village — which included local musical and dance numbers and flag raisings of Nigeria flag amongst other participating countries is the closest thing to the Olympic opening ceremony, Sportsbiz247.blogspot.com reports.
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| Nigeria wrestling team at the ceremony |
Team welcome Ceremonies are a key occasion for athletes, team officials and their guests. It acknowledges their journey to the Games and marks the start of their residency in the Village.
The brief but impressive ceremony saw Nigerian athletes in their national colours with the wrestling team dressed in well-tailored suits.
 |
| Other Team Nigeria athletes during the ceremony |
President of Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr. Habu Gumel who is also a member of International Olympic Committee (IOC), Nigeria's Chef- de- Mission at the games, Christian Ohaa and other Nigerian officials were also in attendance.
 |
| Daniel Igali with the wrestlers |
2016 Olympic Games start on Friday in Rio and 75 Nigerian athletes will be competing in 10 sports.
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