By Ben Efe

Athletics Federation of Nigeria and the family of late Sunday Bada will meet today in Lagos to discuss burial plans for the fallen Nigerian track and field hero.

AFN secretary-general Maria Wophil confirmed that a tentatively date of December 29 had been fixed for the funeral rites of Mr. Bada who took ill and died suddenly on December 12 in Lagos.

Wophil said that the federation was rallying round to muster support from the Federal and the Lagos State governments that had pledged contributions towards a befitting burial.

Late Sunday Bada

It was gathered yesterday that an autopsy was carried out on the remains of the former African 200 and 400m champion who died of suspected heart failure, while going to pick up his wife at the Lagos international airport.

Yesterday at his family house in Ikorodu, sympathizers continued to pour in while his widowed wife Sumbo sobbed intermittently as concerned individuals registered their commiseration.

Bada’s younger brother, Lekan who summoned courage to speak on behalf of the family disclosed that they were finding it hard coming to terms with the sudden demise of their bread winner.

“We are devastated by this sad occurrence. It is a big blow, for the family particular our parents. Our mum left here on Sunday for Kogi and I don’t know how she will take it.

“I’m also afraid that this might affect our father’s health negatively. He has been sick for a while,” said Lekan.