Alli Credits NSC Planning and Athlete Welfare for Team Nigeria’s Historic Leap at Islamic Solidarity Games
Team Nigeria’s Deputy Chef-de-Mission at the Riyadh 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games, Yussuf Amuda Alli, has credited the country’s record-breaking performance to the National Sports Commission’s meticulous planning and enhanced welfare package for athletes.
Alli, who also heads the NSC Elite and Podium Board, praised the leadership of Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade for prioritising athlete comfort and motivation throughout the Games.
He explained that the creation of a conducive camp environment, prompt payment of allowances and bonuses, and the introduction of instant cash rewards for medal winners transformed morale and performance.
Nigeria went on to deliver its best-ever outing at the Islamic Solidarity Games, winning eleven gold, twelve silver and seven bronze medals.
Weightlifting led the charge with six gold, four silver and three bronze medals, while athletics contributed two gold, four silver and three bronze.
Wrestling added two gold and two silver medals, powerlifting secured one gold, boxing earned one silver, para-athletics one silver, and taekwondo one bronze, bringing the final tally to thirty medals from thirty-four athletes.
This achievement marked a historic leap for Nigeria, which had failed to win any medals at its debut in Mecca in 2005, missed out on the cancelled Tehran edition, and struggled in subsequent appearances viz six medals in Baku 2017 and five in Konya 2021.
Alli, himself a former international athlete and captain of Team Nigeria, emphasised that the new reward structure was pivotal.
Gold medalists received $1000, silver medalists $500, and bronze medalists $300, alongside camp allowances and other incentives. According to him, this eliminated the disputes over payments that had plagued Nigerian teams in the past.
‘The issue of athletes complaining about bonuses, allowances and rewards has been banished forever,’ Alli declared. ‘The Athlete First Policy championed by the Chairman and DG is one of the best things to happen to our sports in recent times.’
Looking ahead, Alli expressed confidence in Nigeria’s preparations for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. He revealed that plans have already been outlined and execution has begun, assuring Nigerians that the team’s participation in Glasgow will surpass all previous performances.
