By Ben Efe

Athletics Federation of Nigeria’s recruitment of athletes who are not in the world top ten in their respective events has received knocks from former Nigerian internationals who felt that there are far better talents in Nigeria who could be trained and nurtured to stardom.

At last weekend’s All Nigeria/Cross River Championships, some American born athletes made good their intention to represent Nigeria after they were “approached” by the AFN top shots. These athletes include Mark Jelks who won the men 100m with 10.23 seconds, Tyron Akins who won the men’s 110m hurdles with 13.66 and Dominic Duncan who was placed sixth with 11.98 seconds in the women 100m. She also placed third 23.91 in the 200m.

Speaking on the development in Calabar, former national 400m champion, Dr. Bruce Ijirigho stated that it doesn’t make sense recruiting athletes who are unable to produce podium performance for Nigeria.

“If the argument is that our athletes are going to other countries and so we must also recruit. Does it mean that we should just taking in athletes who are not in the top 20 of world athletics? If other countries are taking our best athletes why can’t we go for the very best of other countries as well?”

USA based former hepathlete; Patience Itanyi was more concerned about the legibility of the recruited athletes. She submitted that the IAAF regulations concerning change of nationality must be followed; otherwise Nigeria may just be sanctioned.