The first and yet the only athlete to win an individual gold medal for Nigeria at the Olympic Games, Chioma Ajunwa (MON), on Wednesday clamored for more reward from the Federal Government following her heroics at the Atlanta ‘96 Olympic Games given the prevailing circumstances.
Coming on the heels of the largesse showered on the Super Eagles by President Goodluck Jonathan for winning the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, Ajunwa told Tribunesport in Lagos that she deserved more after all.
“I was given the MON award, right, but without ‘EY.’ When I heard of what was given to my brothers in the Super Eagles for winning the Nations Cup, I was amazed because you can see the difference.”
“Really, I want Mr President to look into my case. At least, I deserve a house in Abuja too. If I can get a bungalow in Abuja, I will gladly appreciate it.
“My brother, do you know that I had to cancel trips to Abuja on a number of occasions when I discovered that I won’t be able to afford hotel accommodation, I mean where is the money? So, If I can get a place of my own in Abuja to lay my head on anytime I go there, that will be befitting enough for me as Olympics gold medalist.
I’m not envious of anybody but this is the time to express my feelings that I deserve more. I’m not talking about money now,” Ajunwa, who won the long jump Olympics gold at Atlanta ‘96 clarified.