By ABIRHIRE THOMAS, South South
Chioma Ajunwa, born on the 25th of December 1970, is one of the pioneer players of women’s football in Nigeria, having represented the Super Falcons of Nigeria at the first Women’s World Cup in 1991.
Ajunwa performed as a track and field athlete and specialised in the 100m, 200m and long jump.
She was banned from the sport for four years after failing a drug test in 1992 despite maintaining her innocence.
Following the completion of her suspension, Ajunwa went on to become the first West-African woman, as well as the first Nigerian to win an Olympic gold medal in a track and field event when she emerged victorious in the women’s long jump event at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, with a jump length of 7.12 meters (on her first attempt) during the final.
Following her Olympic gold medal at Atlanta ’96, Ajunwa was given a national award – Member of the Order of Niger (MON) – by the then Head of State of Nigeria, Gen. Sani Abacha.
Ajunwa remains only person (Male or female) to have represented Nigeria as a footballer (the FIFA Women’s World Cup) and as an athlete (100m, 200m & Long Jump) till date.
Chioma Ajunwa-Opara, now an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), has to her credit achievements and medal records including: Won a Silver medal (Long Jump) at the 1997 World Indoor Championships in Paris; Won a Gold medal (Long Jump) at the 1996 Olympics Games in Atlanta; Won Gold medal (Long Jump) at the All Africa Games in 1991; Won a Bronze Medal (4x100m relay) at the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland; Won Gold medal (Long Jump) at the African Championships in 1989; and The first African woman, as well as the first Nigerian, to win an Olympic gold medal in a track and field event.
