Nigeria’s long jump record holder and Olympian Yusuf Alli (8.27 m) has charged Team Nigeria athletes to maintain a credible mental strength as the Confederation of Africa Athletics (CAA) Championships begins in Abeokuta.

Alli, who disclosed the during the AFN unveiling ceremony of Team Nigeria athletes and kits, noted that the athletes have to perform in CAA U-18 and 20 Championships to make their mark for the future.

He said, “You are in this competition to make your mark and move forward with good results and not essentially to win. Winning will come, but first push yourself at this level to the next level; that’s how we all grew.”

The former chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission insisted that the CAA Championships came at such a time when the National Sports Festival and the United States Collegiate Athletics season just ended, and this would assist Team Nigeria athletes to excel.

Meanwhile, Team Nigeria athletes and kits were unveiled in Abeokuta today, Tuesday, as a total of 92 athletes will be representing Nigeria in the CAA U-18 and 20 Championships.

The AFN President, Tonobok Okowa, in his brief address, charged athletes to seize the opportunity the competition had provided to excel.
He reiterated that the federation, NSC, and government have provided a golden opportunity for them to succeed.

AFN board members at the unveiling include the second vice-president, Dr. Aku; technical director Gabriel Okon; and NSC representative Yusuf Alli.

Captains of Team Nigeria Male and female were also named at the end of the brief ceremony.