Nigerian athletics ruling body, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN, has expressed shock and sadness over the death of veteran Nigerian athletics coach, Adu Uruemu, who died in Lagos on Sunday, May 10, 2020, after complaining of headache. Until his death at the age of 54, late Uruemu was head coach at Arena Athletics Academy. While reacting to the passage of Uruemu, the President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Olamide George, stated that it was devastating to the Nigerian athletics family.
“This is a very sad moment for track and field in Nigeria. We are still struggling to get over the passing of coaches Tobias Igwe and John Obeya. Now death has dealt us in the athletics family another blow. Coach Uruemu was more than a coach to his athletes. He was a father and a mentor and very helpful to all athletes. He was an optimist and championed the cause of development of athletics in Nigeria. Until his death, he was the Secretary General of Nigerian Athletics Masters.”
Olamide George
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Coach Uruemu is notable for producing a lot of Nigerian athletes, some of whom have travel to the United States for study and athletics on scholarships. Nigerian Sprinter cum jumper, Ruth Usoro, who is fourth in the Nigerian all-time indoor list after a 6.57m long jump leap, her person best in February 2020, is an example of one amongst many Nigerian athletes groomed by Uruemu. Others include Omoshola Omolayo, a long jumper who is currently on a track and field sports scholarship in the United States.
An ex-sprinter cum quarter-miler, late Uruemu also trained sprinters like David Sule, Okey Ezuika, and Bamidele Taiwo to national stardom. The late veteran was equally responsible for the success story of Nkem Ezealah, a young Nigerian athlete who like Uruemu, died on March 15, 2016.
Source:
Guardian NG
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