The National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced the appointment of former Nigerian international athlete, Yussuf Alli, as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of its newly established Elite Athletes Development and Podium Board. This strategic move is aimed at developing a sustainable system for Nigeria’s elite athletes, focusing on their welfare and long-term success in international competitions.
In a statement issued by the Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, the board will be tasked with creating a robust framework that supports Nigeria’s top athletes, ensuring they are well-equipped to excel on the global stage.
The board is composed of 13 distinguished members with a wealth of experience in sports and athlete development. Alongside Yussuf Alli, the committee will include Bambo Akanni from Making of Champions as a consultant, Prof. Ken Anugweje as an Adviser, and members such as Dr. Emmanuel Igbinosa, Salihu Abubakar, Aku Aghazu, Tunde Adelakun, and Prof. Sadiq Abdulahi.
Notable members of the board also include former Olympians Mary Onyali, Hauwa Kulu Akinyemi, and Sunday Odebode, as well as sports administrators like Olalekan Alabi. Bamiduro Olumide will serve as the committee’s Secretary.
Hon. Olopade emphasized that the members were carefully chosen based on their expertise and vast experience in sports management, ensuring that the board can effectively foster sustainable podium success for Nigerian athletes in international competitions. The creation of the board is seen as part of a broader initiative under the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko to improve athlete welfare, training grants, and overall support systems.
The new board’s mission is to implement a scientific reward system that will professionally manage Nigeria’s athletes’ welfare and provide the necessary resources for their growth. This initiative is part of the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigerian Sports Economy, designed to revolutionize the country’s sports landscape and secure its position on the global podium.
With this move, the NSC is poised to usher in a new era of strategic athlete development, ensuring that Nigeria continues to produce world-class athletes for years to come.