As athletes and officials of Team Nigeria begin preparation at their Aberdeen camp ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, the chairman of the Elite Athletes Development and Podium Board, Yusuf Alli, has told the athletes that they require discipline in every aspect of camp life if they want to be successful at the event.

“To win medals requires much more than talent, but discipline in every aspect of camp life, which plays a crucial role in determining success,” he said.

Alli, a retired Nigerian long jumper who competed at three Olympic Games, won medals for Nigeria at the Edinburgh 1986 Commonwealth Games and the Auckland ‘90 edition in New Zealand. He still holds the country’s record in the long jump with his 8.27m personal best achieved in 1989 in Lagos.

Addressing the athletes in Aberdeen, Alli urged them to observe camp rules, including meal times, training schedules and transportation arrangements, while prioritising adequate rest to aid their recovery and enhance performance.

“Success at this level is built on discipline. Every minute matters. Be punctual for meals, respect the bus schedule, arrive early for training and give your body the rest it needs to recover. These are not ordinary routines; they are the habits of champions. If we all do the little things right, the medals will take care of themselves,” he said.

Alli also reminded the athletes of the responsibility that comes with representing Nigeria on the international stage.

“When you wear the colours of Nigeria, you represent more than yourselves; you carry the hopes and pride of millions of Nigerians.

“Compete with courage, support one another and let your conduct, both on and off the field, reflect the excellence our country is known for. We want Team Nigeria to be remembered not only for winning medals but also for professionalism and character,” Alli stated.

Team Nigeria has over 72 athletes training at the Aberdeen camp in Scotland ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which will run from July 21 to August 2.