Yusuf Ali, a former African champion and Nigeria’s national record holder, has backed the growing momentum of Team Nigeria’s athletics set-up as the country prepares for major regional action. He pointed to sustained efforts from the National Sports Commission and the Elite Podium Finish Committee, saying the programme’s progress is becoming increasingly visible.
At a glance
- Yusuf Ali says Team Nigeria’s athletics programme is getting stronger.
- He credits the National Sports Commission and the Elite Podium Finish Committee for steady development.
- Ali leads the Elite Podium Finish Committee.
- He believes athletes must be fully prepared for the CAA Senior Athletics Championships.
- He calls for more domestic competitions to keep athletes sharp as funding improves.
- Ali says Nigeria’s local circuit is rich with emerging talent.
Ali, who currently heads the Elite Podium Finish Committee, believes the expectations at the CAA Senior Athletics Championships demand precision rather than trial and error. In his view, athletes cannot afford to arrive undercooked when the standard at the event is already set at championship level.
“The CAA Senior Athletics Championships is not a learning ground,” he said. “It is a platform to deliver what you have learned, trained for, and perfected.”
Backing and preparation
The multiple African champion also highlighted that renewed backing from the National Sports Commission has started producing tangible returns for Nigerian athletics. He singled out talent development and athlete preparation as two areas where the benefits are beginning to show.
Ali further noted that the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) is now receiving stronger institutional support. That backing, he said, is helping athletes compete more effectively on the continental stage.
“The National Sports Commission is supporting the AFN fully,” he added.
He then turned to the domestic calendar, stressing that Nigeria needs more local competitions to keep athletes in top form. Ali believes the federation’s growing access to funding should translate into more opportunities at home, allowing performers to build rhythm and maintain performance levels.
“What we need now is more competition at home, since funding is gradually finding its way into the federation,” he said.
Talent pipeline
Ali also revealed that Nigeria’s local track and field scene is packed with rising talent. At the same time, he reiterated that the Elite Podium Finish Committee is focused on developing both newcomers and established athletes.
“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 concluded.
