Coach Taiwo Ariyo, one of the Nigerians the National Sports Commission listed to assist the American coaches that were hired in November 2013 by Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdulahi, will not leave his lucrative position in Saudi Arabia and join the Nigerian athletics revival efforts.

Mr. T, as he is fondly called by his admirers, was invited to Abuja by the NSC and Athletics Federation of Nigeria in their quest to produce podium performances at major international meets, but after heart-warming talks, there was no contract negotiated. However, coach Ariyo who has been working in Saudi Arabia for four years and is in the good books of the Saudis, revealed that as much as he loves his country Nigeria, he is not prepared to walk away from the oil rich Arab nation just yet.

“Well, I will like to come home and work if possible. Anything to make our sport better, I will love to be part of it. But after our discussion I have not heard anything yet.  I will love to work for my country as long as I am taken care of like in Saudi. “If they can give me a better offer than what I get here. I will consider coming home to help,” said Ariyo.

He, alongside Gabriel Okon, were approached by the NSC, to assist Annie Taylor and Eric Campbell. Even former African long jump champion, Yusfu Alli felt that he should have been contacted as well to  oversee the jumps aspect of the programme.  Miss Taylor will handle a broad-based developmental programme that will encompass other Olympic sports, while Mr. Campbell will focus on athletics.