Delta 2022: Yussuf Alli disappointed as Okowa’s prediction that his record will be broken fails to come to pass

Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa's prediction before the beginning of competitions at the just concluded Delta 2022 National Sports Festival (NSF) that the over three decades old long jump national record set by former Team Nigeria captain Yussuf Alli will be broken failed to come to pass, a development that has broken Alli’s heart.

Jumper Joseph Oreva Edafiadhe won the men’s long jump gold medal at the festival.

The Newman-Carson University student jump of 7.70m is not even close to Alli record of 8.39m.

Alli, now the Executive Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission (ESSC) is disturbed that his over three decades old record still stand,

“When Governor Okowa predicted that my record will be broken at the Delta 2022 I prayed fervently that it will come to pass because it will be a thing of joy to see a Nigerian jumping over 8.00m, that will means our chance of producing champion in the event at the All African Games, Commonwealth Games, World Championships and even the Olympic Games is bright and high, because when male jumpers are jumping below 8.00m it is not good for the sports and Nigeria as a country”.

Alli who is now the Executive Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission revealed that after taking a rest from the festival, his next target is to combine his management role with Edo State Government with coaching,

“My target is to produce a jumper that will not only break my record but one that will jump above 8.00m consistently and make the podium at the Paris 2024 Olympics”.

If Alli can spare the time, he has the acumen to produce 8.00 m jumpers. He has done it before with jumpers like Tunde Suleiman and a host of others.