I came to the World Championship to boost the morale of the athletes and see what the competition is like, compared to the past. My assessment of the… - Ruth Ogbeifo

I hold no grudge not been among the 60 Nigeria Sports Icon but it is painful that after spending 8 hours everyday while training, getting injured and recovering, becoming an All African Games Champion, African Champion, World Champion and Olympic Silver medallist, my country still did not deem it fit to recognize me among their sports Icon. For record purpose, I am not only I Champion in my sport, I have also produced African Games Champions in weightlifting through my Ruth Ogbeifo-Balofin Community Project (ROBCOP) in Offa, Kwara state. If my country does not honour me, I know God in heaven will honour me. Outside Nigeria, I get treated like a queen whenever they know I won a medal at the Olympics but in Nigeria, I will have to lobby to get things done.

I am optimistic with the current performance of the weightlifters; Nigeria will qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

My advice to the weightlifters is to return home; remain consistent in their training, remain focused and avoid distractions.