Former Nigerian Olympic gold medalist Chioma Ajunwa has cautioned authorities over the country’s ambition to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, warning that proper preparation is essential before committing significant resources.
Ajunwa, Nigeria’s first Olympic gold medalist in athletics, questioned whether the nation is truly ready for an event of such magnitude. “We need to be honest about our infrastructure. The National Stadium and other facilities require attention before we even think about hosting,” she said.
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The former long jumper emphasized the financial and logistical challenges of staging a major international competition. “Spending huge sums without proper planning risks failure. Nigeria must first put its house in order,” Ajunwa warned.
She also called for a strategic audit of sporting facilities nationwide to ensure they meet international standards. “The Commonwealth Games require top-class infrastructure and operational readiness. We can only succeed if we start from a solid foundation,” she added.
Ajunwa’s remarks come as government officials and sports administrators discuss the possibility of Nigeria bidding for the 2030 event, with optimism tempered by past delays and facility shortcomings.
Her advice is clear: preparation and planning must precede ambition. “We should dream big, but we must also act responsibly. Proper investment in facilities and training programs now will pay dividends in the future,” Ajunwa concluded.
