http://makingofchampions.net/2014/07/28/another-american-robert-simmons-switches-allegiances-to-team-nigeria-commonwealth-games/

Watch out for the first ever appearance 25-year-old American Robert Simmons in Nigeria’s colours in the 400 metres at 11.46am – it is unlcear when and how Simmons switched allegiance to Team Nigeria, considering that he did not appear at the National Trials in Calabar in June, which should have served as the qualifiers for the Commonwealth Games. Omeiza Akerele finished 3rd at the trials but was part of Nigeria’s team at the World Junior Championships which just concluded in the US yesterday, so perhaps the decision was made for him to compete there instead!

For anyone arriving late to this party, there has been a lot of controversy surrounding Nigeria’s new American recruits, who largely dominated proceedings at the Nigerian Trials in June, particularly regarding their eligibility for the Green Passport of Nigeria, and whether they are good enough to win global medals for Nigeria. According to Simmons’ IAAF Profile, he has a PB of 45.19s set this season, which places him 18th amongst Commowealth Athletes this season, suggesting that though he is an improvement on Nigeria’s current quarter-milers who have struggled to break 46 seconds for some time now, he is unlikely to win a medal at these Games.

The question on his eligibility for the Nigerian passport is another one altogether. We will update you when we found out more about his switch!


Men’s 400m ROUND 1 TODAY

11.32am – Heat 2 - Salihu Isah (NGR No. 1, C’wealth No. 49) vs Wayde Van Niekerk (RSA, C’wealth No. 4)

11.39am – Heat 3 – Noah Akwu (NGR No. 2, outside C’wealth Top 50) vs Kirani James (GRN, Olympic Champion & C’wealth No. 1)

11.46am – Heat 4 – Robert Simmons (American – never competed for Nigeria previously! C’wealth No. 18)

Pix or I donbilivit#1st to comment......front page tins Noni#

awesome

Hmm

Does he have a Nigerian parent? The post makes it sound as if he has no connection with Nigeria.

we no want

space booked. no offeinse

.

Or we bought him Transfers now occur in commonwealth games??

thank God no be Canoe Paddling

dat guy shud come marry me if he is good, handsome and a good runner!!! cus am cute!!!

No pix?

Luvly

i don hear

Me sef go get American jersey, hope dem no go pursue me

Obiagelli: good news,


Why can't one of these telecoms companies sponsor a telent hunt for athletes instead of all these Nigerian idol or project fame? We like to copy useless things in this country.
Do a talent hunt, discover young prospects, send them abroad to become world beaters and have the advertise your fast Internet connection when they are made. Simple logic.

I wonder o o

.

Please brother, don't switch. ebola is real.

Op...we don hear you...you made it sound as if they don't have ties to naija..

I'm still looking for the good news in this.

Fresia01: dat guy shud come marry me if he is good, handsome and a good runner!!! cus am cute!!!

and desperately thirsty!

Fresia01: dat guy shud come marry me if he is good, handsome and a good runner!!! cus am cute!!!

your mates are starting businesses, you're here on nairaland looking for marriage.. smh

Obiagelli: good news,


Why can't one of these telecoms companies sponsor a telent hunt for athletes instead of all these Nigerian idol or project fame? We like to copy useless things in this country.
Do a talent hunt, discover young prospects, send them abroad to become world beaters and have the advertise your fast Internet connection when they are made. Simple logic.

Three gbosa for u

.

What's good news about an American wanting to run for us?

Fresia01: dat guy shud come marry me if he is good, handsome and a good runner!!! cus am cute!!!

That's nice....... (i no read the post at all) i just cum mark register

Nice one! Meanwhile,

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