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AFN Re-opens Emedolu, Onyali's Case Aliu banks on relays for medal By Wale Ajimotokan The Olympic aspirations of two athletes Uchenna Emedolu and Mary Onyali appear to be back on course with the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN) hinting that the runners might still make the country's contingent to the summer Games in Athens. Emedolu and Onyali were dramatically excluded from the list of athletes invited for the Games after missing the Mobil Track and Field Championship that was used to select the athletes for the event. They claimed they were injured and covered by exemption letters from the Sports Ministry. But the AFN and the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) under a wave of sentiments in favour of the two All Africa Games gold medallists said yesterday that their cases would be looked into by the AFN board before August 8, the final deadline for the submission of the team list The Nigerian Olympic contingent's final list is due for release Sunday, but AFN chairman Dan Ngerem told reporters that the athletes could enjoy an extended grace till August 8 when the board meets. According to Ngerem the case in Emedolu's favour is that he is the only Nigeria's athlete that has qualified for the 200m event. "The thinking is why should we leave that slot vacant when we have a runner who is qualified. That is where we will take another look at Emedolu's case," Ngerem said. Onyali may, however, be considered purely on sentimental ground, as Athens will be her fifth appearances at the Olympics. Meanwhile, in form sprinter Deji Aliu is banking on the men's relay quartet to post a surprise by winning a medal at the Games. Aliu, who was at a reconciliation meeting with Ngerem, said the quartet would create sensation if they were motivated. "I think the relay is a sure bet. I believe in that the guys who ran 38 seconds at the African Championship in Congo without us then with our inclusion we can return 37 seconds," Aliu boasted. Who Are We ? | About THISDAYOnLine.com | THISDAY People | Contact Us © Copyright 2000 Leaders & Company Limited

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