By Ben Efe and Maxwell Kumoye
Former African champion and national record holder in the men’s long jump Yusuf Alli has stressed the need for Nigerian track and field athletes to adequately prepare for major international competitions.
Alli who holds the national 39 years old record of 8.27m noted that such competitions are no grounds for experimentations, and the country’s athletes need to come up with good performances at all times.
According to him the National Sports Commission and the Elite Podium Finish Committee, which he heads are determined to redouble their efforts at reviving the sport that once gave Nigerians joy.
“CAA senior athletics championship is not a learning ground,” Alli declared.
“It’s a platform to deliver what you have learned, trained for to be perfected, and this is why the NSC and the Elite Podium Performance Board are working to ensure all the preparations that needs to be made are on track.”
He said so far, the National Sports Commission efforts have started yielding positive signs for Nigerian athletics, especially in talent development and athlete preparation.
According to him, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria is now receiving stronger institutional support capable of helping athletes compete favorably on the continental stage.
“The National Sports Commission NSC is supporting the AFN fully,” he stated.
Ali also stressed the need for more domestic competitions to keep athletes in top condition and sustain the momentum currently building within Nigerian athletics.
“What we need now is more competition at home, since funding is gradually finding its way into the federation,” Ali said.
The athletics legend further revealed that the country’s local circuit is overflowing with emerging talents, while assuring that the Elite Podium Finish Committee remains committed to nurturing both upcoming and established stars.
“The domestic scene is loaded to the hilt with talent and we at the Podium Finish Committee are ready to work with them, whether teenagers or established athletes,” he added.
The remarks from Ali further underline the growing optimism surrounding Team Nigeria athletics, as stakeholders continue to intensify efforts aimed at restoring the country’s dominance on the African stage through improved preparation, stronger funding support and strategic athlete development initiatives.