Bamidele Emmanuel sets sight on World Athletics Championships for Nigeria?

Reigning NCAA 400m champion, Bamidele Emmanuel is looking forward to making his World Athletics Championships debut in Budapest, Hungary next month but for
which country?

This is the question that will be on the lips of many Nigerians after the 23 year old sped to a second place finish (45.48) behind South Africa’s Nene
Zakithi (45.30) at the BAUHAUS-Galan Diamond League meeting at the Olympiastadion in Stockholm Sunday evening.

Bamidele, who has not represented Nigeria at any continental or international event is still registered as a Nigerian by World Athletics.

The quartermiler moved to Bahrain in 2018 and it was rumoured he was denied a change of allegiance by World Athletics following the world governing body’s strict rule change in 2017 about change of allegiance.

Sources close to the University of Florida student-athlete say he is not considering running for Nigeria.

His post race comment after his return to Diamond League action in Stockholm, Sweden suggests he is either considering a change of allegiance to Bahrain or a change in stance regarding competing for
Nigeria.

The Nigerian surprisingly lost to Nene in Stockholm but based his performance on jet lag and the weather condition.

‘The race would have been much better without the wind. It´s my first first Diamond League and the first race in Europe this season. I still struggle with the time difference, it´s really difficult to sleep at night.

‘I just need some time to get used to it. I arrived in Europe one week ago and I am based in Lisbon.

‘Hopefully, I can run another Diamond League and then focus on the World Championships in Budapest, and let´s see what is going to happen there,’ said Bamidele after the race on Sunday evening.