Fast growing female arm wrestling star, Sarah Obayosa Matthew, who won two gold medals at the 13th African Games in Ghana, has expressed gratitude with the grand reception she got in Kogi State.
Matthew, who won gold in the right and left-hand categories of her weight class at Accra 2024, said she was astounded with what she called a royal reception in the state capital, Lokoja.
She gave thanks to the immediate past governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello; the current one, Ahmed Usman Ododo; and new traditional ruler of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Anaje for leading the lavish celebrations in recognition of her achievements at the Africa Games.
While recounting the physical build-up and mental stages she went through before performing her heroic feats in Accra, Matthew went on to express sheer delight with the reaction she got from her kit and kin on returning home.
“The royal welcome was really unexpected. I really didn’t believe I was going to be honoured so much for winning at the African Games,” Matthew recounted.
“The experience was so good, and it has made me more determined to come out as the best and put more effort into my training. The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland made that happen.
“All the first class chiefs, all the Ohis, all Taros in Ebiraland and other distinguished guests were present. I was really honoured.
“I want to use this opportunity to appreciate the former governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Yahaya Adoza Bello, and the present governor, His Excellency Usman Ododo. I also want to specially appreciate the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.”
Matthew also took a look back at the tough time she went through, heading into the Games, and how she was able to eventually pull off her double gold medalling winning feat.
She added, “It was a good experience, totally. At last, all the effort was worth it. The preparation was good but, getting close to the competition, I was scared. I was anxious.
“The expectation on me was much, and it made me scared. I really felt what would happen if I couldn’t deliver as was expected. It really disturbed me.
“But, as the competition drew close, I had to encourage myself, knowing fully well that I trained very hard, and I am happy that the competition was nice. It was a good experience.”
