US-based 110m hurdler Nnamdi Onwaeze has called on Nigerian athletes to represent the country as he prepares to compete for the nation in the forthcoming CAA African Athletics Championships in Ghana.
Onwaeze, who was born and raised in California by Nigerian parents, stated that the nation is a reservoir of world-class talent awaiting discovery and support.
Onwaeze, who spent most of his life training and studying in the United States, maintained that he had always wanted to represent Nigeria.
This, he said, was his dream from the beginning. He added that wearing the green-white-green means a lot to him, as well as being referred to as a Nigerian.
Onwaeze, a kinesiology graduate from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, sees his upcoming race in Ghana as more than just a competition.
According to him, the race was an opportunity to prove his capabilities and inspire a new wave of patriotism among young athletes abroad.
He noted that a collective effort from diaspora athletes could trigger significant change in Nigeria’s sports sector.
“I know kids back home who are faster than I. They just need facilities, coaches, and opportunities.”
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Onwaeze also highlighted the unique motivation that comes from national pride. He urged Nigerian sports administrators to implement more robust scouting systems and development programmes for harnessing more talent.
According to him, there is a need for better communication and early investment in young athletes, both locally and internationally.
“We have to find athletes early. We can’t wait until someone is a star before paying attention.” He encouraged them to persevere, believing that their efforts would eventually be rewarded
