‘Fire Brigade Approach Won’t Help Nigeria’

Former Nigerian long jumper, Chioma Ajunwa, has warned Nigerian sports administrators to guard against fire brigade approach as the country prepares for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The Atlanta 1996 Olympic gold medalist appealed to sports stakeholders to ensure that preparation for the games begins in earnest  for the country to avoid mistakes of the past.

“Nigeria must guard against fire brigade approach as we are preparing for 2012 London Olympic Games.

” We need to start our preparation on time for the athletes to win medals at the games,” said Ajunwa, who won the women’s long jump at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta with a jump of 7.12meters in her first attempt in the final.

Ajunwa is the first Nigerian to win an Olympic gold medal as well as the first African woman to win an Olympic gold medal in a field event.

The Imo State-born athlete also played football for the Nigerian women’s team.

— Bimbo  Ajayi