Emedolu backs Nigerian athletes to shine in Daegu, Korea

Former Nigeria sprint star, Uchenna Emedolu has debunked insinuations from some quarters that Nigerian athletes will flounder when the IAAF World Championships begins in August in Korea.

The athletics coach stated this in Calabar during the just concluded All Nigeria/Cross River State Athletics Championships that was held from 23rd to 25th June.

"I laugh when people say Nigeria athletes are wasting their time doing trials to run against the world best, if you don't train and go for competitions, one will never be able to win anything.

"There are people that don't believe Nigeria can pull magic in world athletics today but I say we are getting there.

"In Korea when the World will meet, I assure all that with what some Nigerians are running today, we will surely pull weight in Korea."

Meanwhile, the Enugu base athletics coach has stated his plans of taking his athletics foundation which he has been running in Enugu to greater height.

Emedolu said the foundation has been running for something now and that in five to seven years time, Nigeria will be seeing under 9 seconds men and women athletes.

"I have a foundation which I have been running in Enugu and I believe with sponsors and time, I will be producing under 9 seconds' runners in the male and female category in Nigeria."

The Coach who was recently ban by the National Sports Commission (NSC) for baton dropping, says he has been unban but that his money has not been paid to him by the commission.

"I have been unbanned by the National Sports Commission so I am free to continue with my coaching job but I have not be given the money owned me by them," he said.