Chukwumerije stays back to reflect as Nigerians return

Captain of Team Nigeria Chika Chukwumerije was billed to leave London for Nigeria on Tuesday but the Olympian adjusted his departure schedule to enable him undertake what he called “proper reflections” under the right atmosphere devoid of distraction. The taekwondo athlete made his plans known in an exclusive talk with The PUNCH on Monday in London. Most other Nigerian athletes and extended delegation began to depart London en masse  on Monday with the Heathrow Airport buzzing with passengers travelling to different destinations across the world from all the countries that participated in the event.

Chukwumerije was a medal hopeful for Nigeria but within 30minutes on Saturday the entire Olympic dream died when he lost by a point to Robelis Despaigne of Cuba. The Nigerian athlete said on Monday that the emotions of the Games will take a little while to heal.
He said, “I had to change my travelling plans. The truth is that I just need a little more time on my own to think and decide the next best move to make under this circumstance.
“This is now like plan B and I don’t have to rush to a decision as you know this was far from what I thought of the Olympics.”

PUNCH