BADA LEFT VACCUM DIFFICULT TO FILL -AKINSOLA

• Bada
Nigeria's FIFA security officer and secretary competitions of the Nigeria Police Force, CSP Gideon Akinsola, has described the demise of the late Sunday Bada as a big loss to the Nigeria Police, noting that he left a vaccum that will be difficult to fill in the near future.

CSP Akinsola, while reacting to the sudden death of the Olympic Silver medallist, told Daily SunSports that he was yet to come to terms with the death of the ex-athlete.

'As I speak with you, I can't understand the circumstances surrounding his death. Bada was a man of class and a big loss to the Nigeria Police, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria and the Nigerian Olympians Association. His lofty dreams may not have been achieved but he had great plans for the growth of sports in the Force and looked forward to better changes in Police athletics.'

Akinsola, while recalling the rise of the late Bada said that the ex-athlete was a blessing from God to Nigerian athletics. 'I knew Bada personally and feel sad at his demise. He represented the Force well and left a mark on the sand of time. I sympathise with his family and the entire sporting community for this loss. I pray for the repose of his soul and believe the NPF would do everything in its power to give him a burial that he truly deserves.'

The IAAF, while reacting to the sudden death of one of her own, said they are deeply shocked and saddened by the death of the 1997 IAAF World Indoor champion. A three-time 400m medallist at the IAAF World Indoor Championships, he took silvers in 1993 (Toronto, Canada) and 1995 (Barcelona, Spain).