‘Disgrace’ – Minutes before the opening ceremony, Team Nigeria athletes did not know what they will wear.
Team Nigeria to the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, United Kingdom was at the mercy of a sportswear manufacturer minutes before the opening ceremony.
Team Nigeria under the supervision of Sunday Minister of Youth and Sports Development were unable to get their kits and let down by a supplier.
In a report by the BBC, the Minister approached MG Sportswear in Kidderminster explaining the situation and requesting a supply of kit for the Nigerian athletes.
MG Sportswear Manager Gino Ruffinato explained that his team had to work around the clock to ensure the Nigerian kits were available for the athletes.
Ruffinato enlisted all his 14 staff to get to work to make the order required by the Nigerian team.
A sportswear manufacturer has come to the rescue to produce a last-minute kit for the Nigerian team at the Commonwealth Games.
The supplier was approached to make hundreds of items on Tuesday after the team said they were let down by their suppliers.
Manager Gino Ruffinato said his 14 staff had been working around the clock to get the garments finished.
He said, “As it progressed I started getting emails with orders on, so at that point I thought, hang on, I think this is serious.
He said, “As it progressed I started getting emails with orders on, so at that point I thought, hang on, I think this is serious.
“Everybody’s embraced it, they’ve worked hard and done many hours to make sure it happens.
“When they hit us with the deadline saying it needs to be there for Friday and today was Tuesday… there’s all the fabric, the print, the designs to get out in two days. It was a bit hair-raising.”
The manager explained that the order by the Nigerian team are 200 pieces of kit which included running vests and shorts, staff tracksuits, and 400 Nigerian badges.
Team Nigeria were all smiles as they participated in the opening ceremony as the Minister is yet to explain details about their kit to the press.
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