Former Nigerian long jumper and Olympian, Yusuf Alli, has charged Team Nigeria’s athletes to maintain strong mental resilience as the 3rd Confederation of Africa Athletics (CAA) U18/20 Championships commence today in Abeokuta.
Speaking at the official unveiling ceremony of Team Nigeria’s athletes and kits yesterday, Alli emphasised that the athletes must perform well in the CAA U-18 and U-20 Championships to make their mark for the future.
“You are in this competition to make your mark and progress with good results, not solely to win. Winning will come, but first, push yourself at this level to reach the next level; that’s how we all grew,” he stated.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nigeria’s Elite Athletes Development and Podium Board expressed that the CAA Championships are taking place at a crucial time, following the conclusion of the National Sports Festival and the United States Collegiate Athletics season, which will aid Team Nigeria’s athletes in excelling.
Meanwhile, Team Nigeria’s athletes and kits were unveiled in Abeokuta yesterday, with a total of 92 athletes set to represent Nigeria at the CAA U-18 and U-20 Championships.
In a brief address, AFN President Chief Tonobok Okowa urged athletes to seize the opportunities presented by the competition to excel.
He reiterated that the federation, the National Sports Commission, and the government have afforded them a golden opportunity to succeed.
“I urge you to go out there and make Nigeria proud,” he said.
AFN board members present at the unveiling included Second Vice-President Dr. Aku, Technical Director Gabriel Okon, and NSC representative Yusuf Alli. The captains of Team Nigeria, both male and female, were also announced at the conclusion of the brief ceremony.
