Apparently at the competition as a dignitary, Ali would approach as well as put himself to work when tough technical decisions needed to be taken
By Uzor Odigbo
National long jump record holder (8:27m) and Chairman Edo State sports commission, Yusuf Ali, had to pull his wealth of experience in athletics to halt the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) technical department from collapse.
The veteran athlete was an enigma in the technical section at the just concluded 2nd AFN All-comers competition at Yaba Tech sports center.
Apparently at the competition as a dignitary, Ali would approach as well as put himself to work when tough technical decisions needed to be taken.
Although, a member of the AFN technical committee,
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Ali believes that no job is too difficult when those who should provide solutions are available.
The general manager Lagos/Access Bank Marathon insisted that , though his job as Chairman Edo State sports commission may slow him down, he however assured that everything that would be done for the growth of the sport would definitely be done.
Ali’s technical influence at the athletics arena for the two days athletics meet held brought back confidence and ensured that athletes had the right results.
However, there was a massive improvement in the 110mh when Prosper Ekporere in the men’s 110mh won the final.
The final which was keenly contested, Prosper came at the finishing line to win over Oyeniyi Abejoye who came second.
He held on tightly to take the win in the men’s high hurdles in a new PR of 13.71secs beating the big dogs.
He’s definitely in the form of his life and he’s still 19 yrs old.
