NATIONWIDE MUTUAL FUNDS, N-14/A, EX-11, 2001-01-11

NATIONWIDE MUTUAL FUNDS
N-14/A, EX-11, 2001-01-11

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                                                                      EXHIBIT 11



                                January 8, 2001



Nationwide Mutual Funds
1200 River Road
Conshohocken, Pennsylvania 19428

     Re:  NATIONWIDE MUTUAL FUNDS (THE "TRUST") - REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM
          N-14, FILED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE
          "REGISTRATION STATEMENTS")

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     In connection with the filing of the Registration Statement, it is our
opinion that, upon the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, the
indefinite number of shares of beneficial interest, without par value, of the
Nationwide Value Opportunities Fund, an investment portfolio of the Trust, when
issued as described in the Registration Statement and for the consideration
described in the Registration Statement, will be legally issued, fully paid and
nonassessable.

     We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement.

                                                     Very truly yours,

                                                     /s/ Baker & Hostetler LLP
                                                     -------------------------
                                                     Baker & Hostetler LLP