By Valentine Amanze, Lagos
Nigeria’s first gold medalist in Atlanta 1996 Olympics, Chioma Ajunwa Opara, has appealed to Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) to lift the ban placed on her for the use of banned substance during one of her outings for the country.
While regretting her mistake, she lamented that the ban had denied her the opportunity of contributing to the growth of sports in Nigeria.
She said that the punishment has lingered unlike what is obtainable in countries like U.S.
Ajunwa, who spoke during a live radio programme in Lagos, wondered why even her colleagues were not making case for her at AFN.
She said that with her experience that she could advise the younger ones how to avoid banned drugs in sports.
The police woman, who was reacting to the nation’s poor performance at the Rio Olympics, exornorated the sports minister of blame.
According to her, the minister was new in the ministry and money was not released early for him for the competition.
She wondered why the director general in the ministry, who was the engine room of sports administration, was changed halfway to the Rio Olympics.
She said that the country would do well in international competitions if early preparation becomes the order of the day.