Ben Efe, in India

NIGERIA’s Chef de Mission to the X1X Commonwealth Games, Elias Gora could not hold back tears yesterday when Damola Osayomi was expelled from the Commonwealth Games Village and her gold medal given to Natasha Mayers of Saint Vincent who initially won bronze.

Gora’s mien in discharging his duties gave way to emotion as tears glistened from his eyes. Secretary General of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Tunde Popoola provided a shoulder for Gora. It was so emotional.

When Gora recovered, he explained that he could not believe that all the efforts of the athlete turned to nought.  “I feel so sad and I put myself in the shoes of Osayomi. I know that athletes can do all sorts of things but I can swear that that girl did not take it intentionally. She is a young, disciplined athlete and I felt for her and my country”, Gora said still wiping his eyes. Tunde Popoola, NOC Secretary General also regretted it. “It is sad. I feel bad”, he said.