US sprint icon, Maurice Greene has been appointed by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria to handle the Nigeria’s relay teams with a view of guiding them to podium performance at international events.
AFN president, Solomon Ogba disclosed yesterday that Greene agreed in principle to help the federation’s drive to reposition athletics in Nigeria. He added that the appointment of Greene was with immediate effect and would start preparing the teams for the IAAF World Relays billed for May 24 in Nassau, Bahamas.
There are also the Mt Sac Relays and the Pen Relays.
“We have appointed Greene as our relay coordinator. He is a big catch for the AFN and Nigeria and we have complete confidence in his ability to turn around the fortunes of our athletes.
“He will be guiding our relay teams to all international events. He will also mentor some of our junior athletes like Divine Oduduru, Harry Chukwudike and others,” said the AFN boss.
Greene, 39, was a former world record holder in the 100m with a time of 9.79 seconds He also won the world championships five times and has four Olympics gold medals to his belt. Greene known for his antics of intimidating opponents at the starting blocks won three gold medals at the 1999 world championships. His last Olympics was the Athens Games in 2004, where he won a bronze in the 100m and silver in the relay. Greene was also successful indoors, he remains the world record holder in the 60m dash. He is very familiar with Nigerian athletes, most especially Seun Ogunkoya who during his active days frightened Greene and other top sprinters with his awesome strength.
