Amaechi Morton free to run for America – Bada

Home-based athletes who want a slice of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria golden league prizes will jostle for qualification slots as the All Comers meet winds up at the Sagamu Township Stadium.

It is the first competition of the season and all the athletes hopeful of carving a niche for themselves in the year ahead are flexing up for the final of the meet that comes up this afternoon.

“We have had an impressive turn-out. Most of the states have sent their athletes.

“ The All comers is meant to be a qualification for the golden league. And so all those serious about doing well this season are here to show what they have been doing during the off season,” said Sunday Bada who is the AFN technical director.

He stated that about 2000 entries was received.

“It is a good way to start the season. If you look at the fact that this is the first competition of the year, one will expect all the states preparing for the National Sports Festival to use the opportunity to fine_tune the skills of their athletes in camps,” observed the Sydney Olympic 4x400m gold medalist.

He insisted that it was good for athletes to start the season with a competition like this rather than looking for where to earn prize monies.

“In our days we ran for free. There was no prize money in any competition for anyone to take home. I am surprised that athletes want to win money in grassroots competition. Of course, if there is a sponsor that is willing to offer money there is nothing wrong with that. But in an all comer like the one starting tomorrow (Friday), that is uncalled for,” he noted.

Amaechi Morton free to run for America – Bada

Athletics Federation of Nigeria technical and performance director, Sunday Bada has no qualms with the decision by Amaechi Morton to wear the colours of the United States at the London 2012 Olympics.

The US-based 400m hurdler has served the AFN notice of his decision to quit Nigeria, but Morton still left  his window opened, if only the AFN will develop the right attitude towards the management of its athletes.

Morton last represented Nigeria at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin, Germany, he did not pull his weight then. However, he has made tremendous improve running a 48.94 personal best in 2010 and he could be a medal prospect at the All Africa Games and the Olympics next year.

“If he has decided to represent American, it is totally up to him. He has dual citizenship and if he is able to meet the American standards then he is free to go. The AFN should oblige him with his transfer certificate,” said Bada.
He added that the AFN was monitoring the performances of all Nigerian athletes based in the USA and Europe.