1996 Atlanta Olympic gold medalist, Chioma Ajunwa (M.O.N.), has shared the immense sacrifices she made to secure her historic victory for Nigeria. In an exclusive interview with, Sunday Onuchukwu Osunkwo, Ajunwa emphasized that discipline, hard work, personal sacrifice, and support are essential to achieving success in life.

Ajunwa recalled facing ridicule during her journey to the podium:
“People were mocking me because of my muscular build, saying, ‘I am a woman; who is going to marry me with all these muscles?’ But I did not stop working hard until I won that gold. Today, where are those muscles? Look at my body now. You must sacrifice something to get what you want in life.”

She expressed gratitude to Chief Segun Odegbami (M.O.N.) for standing by her during her challenging path to greatness:
“I must thank one man, Chief Segun Odegbami, for believing in me and standing by me to the end.”

On the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Ajunwa expressed disappointment over Nigeria’s failure to secure a single medal. She criticized the inefficiency of the numerous Sports Committees formed in the past:
“What is the point of countless committees if they bring no progress? It’s heartbreaking that Nigeria didn’t win a single medal.”

Ajunwa’s reflections highlight the need for greater commitment and accountability in Nigerian sports development, urging for better planning to restore the nation’s Olympic glory.