Results, not gold medals, benchmark of Team Nigeria's success in Glasgow – Head coach, Solomon Aliyu

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye 

 

The Head Coach of Team Nigeria to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Solomon Aliyu, has insisted that gold medals alone should not be used as the yardstick for assessing the team's performance at the Games.

Aliyu made the remarks in an exclusive interview with FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG's Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye.

Despite Team Nigeria returning with fewer medals than in previous editions, the coach praised the athletes for their performances, stressing that competing at a world-class event and achieving personal improvements were equally significant measures of success.

"For me as a coach, it is not necessarily about the medal. What matters is the stage on which the athletes competed and the results they produced.

"What would you say about an athlete who produced an impressive performance but did not win a medal? Would you say that athlete is not good enough to compete? No.

"Sometimes, you simply have better athletes in the race who produce stronger performances.

"Our athletes are still young. They have now experienced what competing on a big stage looks and feels like. So, when they return home and another opportunity comes, they will be better prepared.

"We will not have to struggle to explain to them what they need to do because they have now experienced it themselves."

Aliyu maintained that the team's overall performance met the expectations of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), led by President Tonobok Okowa, despite falling short of its gold medal target.

"Based on our expectations before the event, we met the expectations of the federation, even though we were limited in terms of the actual number of gold medals we initially expected to win in Glasgow.

"But by and large, the performances of the athletes were commendable."

The coach also revealed that disruptions to the team's camping and training programme affected their preparations ahead of the Games.

"We actually started early with the athletes, but unfortunately, the plan was aborted midway for whatever reason, maybe financial, I don't know.

"We had the first phase of our camp in Asaba, if you remember. That was called off, with plans for a second phase before the final phase in Abuja. Unfortunately, the second phase did not hold.

"I think that gap also played a role in our preparation."

Aliyu commended the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade, for providing timely support that enhanced the team's preparations and performance at the Games.

He also acknowledged the contributions of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria and its leadership.

"My message to the National Sports Commission is simply to say thank you. They have tried, and we expect them to sustain the tempo and, if possible, do even more than they have already done.

"We are also thankful to the federation, especially the president, for everything they have done. In terms of their support in various areas, they have done what they were supposed to do, and we appreciate them."