Nigeria’s athletics team coach, Solomon Aliyu, has expressed confidence that the impressive performances witnessed at the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Commonwealth Games Trials are only a glimpse of what Nigerian athletes will deliver at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
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The veteran coach, a former police officer, believes Team Nigeria will elevate its performances when the Games begin, describing the trials as a successful first phase of the team’s preparations.
“What we saw at the AFN Commonwealth Games Trials is just the beginning,” Aliyu said. “At the Commonwealth Games, Nigerians should expect even better performances from our athletes. This is only the first phase, so watch out for what’s to come.”
Aliyu also reserved special praise for emerging talents Miracle Ezechukwu, Chidera Ezeakor and Chigozie Rosemary, describing them as the future of Nigerian athletics.
“Whether we like it or not, these young athletes are the champions of tomorrow. Without them, we won’t have anyone to represent the country in the future.
We are doing our best to complement the tremendous work their personal coaches have already done in developing them,” he said.
The Team Nigeria head coach also acknowledged the contributions of the athletes’ personal coaches, stressing that they deserve recognition for their dedication and commitment to developing the country’s next generation of stars.
“I’m very impressed and excited by what I’ve seen. As the head coach, I cannot take all the credit. The personal coaches have done an excellent job in preparing these athletes, and they deserve to be commended for their efforts,” he added.
Looking ahead, Aliyu stressed that sustained hard work and continued support would be vital to ensuring the athletes maximise their potential and compete successfully on the global stage.
“We still have a lot of work to do to maintain this momentum.
The impressive performances we’re seeing today are a result of the unwavering support from the leadership of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria and the National Sports Commission.
Their collaboration is providing the environment athletics needs to thrive, and we appreciate their commitment,” he concluded.
