Former Olympic champion Chioma Ajunwa has warned that the continued exit of elite Nigerian athletes could significantly affect the country’s chances at the Commonwealth Games.
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Ajunwa described the situation as a serious setback, saying the absence of experienced performers would leave a gap that cannot simply be ignored or downplayed.
“When top athletes leave, it creates a huge vacuum,” Ajunwa said. “Even if officials try to downplay it, the impact will be felt across the team.”
The former long jump gold medallist stressed that losing elite athletes weakens Nigeria’s competitiveness on the international stage and reflects deeper systemic issues.
“When world-class talents walk away because of poor support and insensitivity, it shows a system that fails to appreciate its athletes until they are gone,” she added.
Ajunwa called for better athlete welfare and long-term planning, warning that without meaningful reforms, Nigeria’s medal prospects at major competitions like the Commonwealth Games will continue to suffer.
