Aderonke Olumudi, a gold medalist at the 2013 Zhuhai International 10km marathon in China, yesterday said she was considering a nationality switch to a country, where she might be better appreciated.

Olumudi from Kogi State told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that it was appalling that sports was not well encouraged in the country.

According to her, long distance runners are not appreciated, adding that if the trend continued, the country might lose many more of its talented athletes to other countries.

“I have had different opportunities but for the love of my country I declined the chances to go and represent other countries.

“But with the way it is going, I may be compelled to change my mind. I pray that God will help me to attend big competitions soon, where scouts will attend and If given the opportunity, I will opt to run in the colours of another country.

“Nigeria is not encouraging their athletes, especially long distance runners,’’ she said.

Olumudi, who is also a gold medalist at the U.S. Irving Marathon, said she usually struggled to participate in competitions, as help was not always forthcoming.

“I know that long distance races are not our area of specialisation, but we have talented athletes that are ready to do the country proud.

“I have been struggling to participate in one international competition or the other. I have tried canvassing for help from people in my state and Lagos State but it has been hard in coming”.