Nigerian coach in search of viral local high jumper News

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Nigerian coach in search of viral local high jumper

By Daily Sports Nigeria on February 11, 2026

Former Nigerian decathlete, jump specialist and board member of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Lekan Soetan, has praised the talent of a promising high jumper identified as Quadri, whose video of a high jump attempt in a school playground has gone viral, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Quadri’s video surfaced over the weekend, showing the young athlete clearing a seemingly impossible height to the amazement of onlookers.

“My name is Quadri. I currently live in Ajaawa. I am the one jumping in that video and I need help. It is my dream to represent Nigeria at the Olympics,” Quadri said in the video.

Ajaawa is located in Ogo Oluwa Local Government Area of Oyo State.

After seeing the video, Soetan acknowledged the youngster’s talent, noting that efforts are already being made to reach out to him.

“From the video, I could see that he has the talent to jump and the coordination to do so as well. High jump is very complex, but not as complex as the pole vault,” Soetan told PUNCH Sports Extra.

“In addition, we must consider whether he can grow taller. Ideally, he has to be around 6ft 2in. But if he can’t, he can fit into other jumps like long jump, triple jump and pole vault.

“High jump is skill-based; not everyone can jump above their height, and he has shown that he can do that in the video. He could also excel in other jumping events, and even become the pole vaulter we have been looking for.”

Head coach of Nigeria’s athletics team, Solomon Aliu, was also in the comments to ask for the lad’s phone number.

The coach also added that scouting programmes are scheduled to take place in Oyo State next month.

Source Punch Ng

Posted February 11, 2026