By Ben Efe 24.6.2026
After three days of competitions at the Athletics Federation of Nigeria trials for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, athletes and coaches have given kudos to Yusuf Alli for the role he played in bringing the national trials concluded Tuesday to a successful end.
Moreso, they thanked the National Sports Commission for bringing the former African champion and long-standing men’s long jump 8.21m national recorder on board to ensure that athletes’ welfare and training are well coordinated.
“Yusuf Alli is a technocrat to the core with him around the NSC as Elite and Podium Board chairman things are moving in the right direction,” said Solomon Aliu head coach of the AFN.
“Things may not be perfect but with Yusuf the coordination is smooth and that is what we all crave, a well-coordinated Team Nigeria in any competition we go to.”
Veteran throws coach Gabriel Opuana added that the NSC picked the right person to entrust with the technical aspects of its assignment to reposition Nigerian sports.
“The NSC did the right by appointing Yusuf as the chairman of its Elite and Podium Performance board. He is reachable, always available to solve problems.”
Some of the athletes who spoke their minds urged the NSC to ensure that Yusuf Alli remains as the chef de mission of Team Nigeria to the Commonwealth Games.
“We want someone who can motivate the athletes like Yusuf does, ensure that all their allowances and dues are paid, that is our major concern and so we plead with the NSC to give us a good coordinator like him,” a female athlete said.
Yusuf Alli...working for Nigerian sports.