World Athletics Approves Nigeria’s Emmanuel Bamidele’s Switch to UAE

August 21, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

World Athletics has officially approved the nationality switch of Nigerian-born 400m sprinter Emmanuel Bamidele, allowing him to now compete internationally for the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The clearance paves the way for Bamidele, a promising quarter-miler, to represent the UAE in global competitions under a new flag.

Bamidele, who has previously competed for Nigeria, sought the transfer of allegiance in line with World Athletics’ rules on nationality changes. With the approval now granted, he becomes one of the latest athletes to leave Nigeria for another country in pursuit of better opportunities and support systems.

His switch underscores a growing concern in Nigerian athletics, where talented athletes continue to seek naturalization elsewhere due to issues ranging from inadequate funding to lack of proper development structures.

World Athletics confirmed the approval in its latest list of cleared nationality changes, which takes effect immediately.