Nigerian ex-international athlete, Deji Aliu on Friday was back in the ray of global spotlight, as record keepers recounted how he set an existing mark in the world 60m indoor charts 20 years ago.
Sports247.ng learnt that Aliu’s 60m Indoor record of 6.48secs, which was set in Liévin, France stands till date, such that it was apt to celebrate the date in history on Friday.
Aliu, born November 22, 1975 in Lagos and won the men’s 100m event at the 2003 All Africa Games, is now an athletics coach.
The former athlete, who also finished fourth in the 100m at the 2002 Commonwealth Games, was part of the Nigerian relay team that won a bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics.
Together with Innocent Asonze, Francis Obikwelu and Daniel Effiong, Aliu also placed third the 100m relay at the 1999 World Championships.
However, the team was later disqualified in August 2005 when Asonze was adjudged to have failed a dope test in June 1999.
Nonetheless, it was only good memories that were brough alive for him on Friday, as the icon, who had 100m personal best 9.95secs in 2003 and 20.25secs for the 200m in 2002 got a citation on social media.
Making of champions posted: “On this day 20 years ago at Liévin France, our Head coach @Dejialiu1 ran a Nigerian 60m Indoor record of 6.48s.
“That record still stands till today, and he is one of only eight men to have gone under 10s in men’s 100m for Nigeria. #TodayInHistory.”
