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Emmanuel Bamidele gave hints on competing at the World Championships in Budapest, after his race at the Stockholm Diamond League. But what country will he be competing for?
Men's 400m sensation Emmanuel Bamidele has given green light on competing at the World Championships in Budapest.
The 23-year-old has been the subject of online discussion this year concerning the country's colours he will eventually decide to wear internationally.
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Bamidele is at the crossroads of two countries after his switch of allegiance to Bahrain in 2018 didn't turn out as planned, with his last competition in Nigeria being at the 2018 Commonwealth Games Trials.
Then it was rumoured that his change of nationality wasn't accepted by the World Athletics governing body following the strict rule change in 2017. So because of this, his country still states Nigeria on the World Athletics website.
Ever since Bamidele has been stuck and refused to don Nigeria's colours, with reports projecting that bridges were burnt between him and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and his family involved.
Also, sources close to the reigning NCAA Champion say he is not considering running for Nigeria and prefers to focus on his professional career with no international commitment.
However, in a recent turn of event, Bamidele's crossroads may have a new direction due to his revelation at the Stockholm Diamond League.
In a post-race interview after the talented quarter-miler sped to a second-place finish in 45.48s behind South Africa’s Nene Zakithi in 45.30s, Bamidele talked about his transition to the professional circuit and competing in Budapest.
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"The race would have been much better without the wind. It's my 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," said Bamidele.
"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."
With this interview and his nationality still stating Nigeria, then it's a pointer to what country's colours he will be donning in Budapest. It could also mean his switch of allegiance has been finalized and he'll represent Bahrain.
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If he chooses Nigeria, this means whatever outstanding issues between the AFN and Bamidele may have been resolved, and he is finally ready to put smiles on Nigeria athletics fans' faces.
And if this becomes a reality competing for Nigeria in Budapest, he will be a great addition to the team as he's a medal prospect.
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13:54 - 03.07.2023
Tobi Amusan dust competitors, secures first Diamond League win in Stockholm
World Record holder Tobi Amusan blazed back to winning ways, dispatching the rest of the field in effortless fashion at the Stockholm Diamond League.
But the best impact will be on the men's 4x400m relay team still trying to qualify for the World Championships, and his addition won't only boost the team's rating to qualify but make them medal contenders.
Whether it's Nigeria or Bahrain, Bamidele has his valid reasons and everyone should support it.
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