The All Africa Games and Olympic qualifying trials have completed, and Daniel Ighali, the president of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), has declared them a success.
At the conclusion of the two-day National Wrestling Trials in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, Ighali delivered the commendation.
The former Olympic champion expressed his satisfaction with the country’s wrestlers, highlighting the young competitors who stood out during the trials. He also expressed his delight at the fierce competition in every weight class over the two days of the competition.
He asserts that if the wrestlers prepare well, they will win the All Africa Games and that in order for the athletes to succeed in conquering Africa, they must camp for at least a month in order to compete favorably against their peers.
Igali expressed his gratitude to the Bayelsa State government for helping the wrestling federation organize the trials for the All Africa Games and the Olympic Games. He also mentioned how impressed he was with the young wrestlers’ quick development, citing Harrison Israel and Stephen Simon in particular for their performances that went above and above.
He clarified that while 22 athletes will compete for the Africa wrestling title in Alexandria, Egypt, 18 athletes had qualified for the All Africa Games. Nigeria, he said, would field a full female squad since they had won the female division in Hammamet, Tunisia, the previous year.
The technical staff and officiating officials were commended by the NWF president for their professionalism in making sure the trials ran successfully.
Meanwhile, Blessing Oborodudu, a 12-time Africa champion and silver medallist in Tokyo 2020, has guaranteed a spot in the All Africa Games in Accra, Ghana, which take place next month.
