The president of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Daniel Igali, has urged the Federal Government to provide all necessary facilities for athletes in order to boost their performance during the forthcoming African Games in Ghana.
Igali made the appeal during the ongoing National Wrestling Trials and Olympic qualifiers in Bayelsa State, Southern Nigeria.
“The Federal Ministry to hasten up preparations for the athletes in a bid to improve maximum output at the African Games in Accra, Ghana,” Igali said.
He also expressed sadness over lack of camping for the athletes, narrating how it would affect their performances as they ought to be in camp two months before the African Games in March 2024.
In the same vein, Commonwealth champion Mercy Genesis, African champion Esther Kolawole and others dispatched their opponent in dominant fashion at the ongoing National Trials for wrestlers in Bayelsa State.
Mercy Genesis of Bayelsa in the 50kg defeated Peace Paul from Edo State, while African champion Esther Kolawole overpowered Precious Teibril of Nigerian Army with a great superiority display in the 62kg.
In addition, other high profile matches were Ogunsanya Christiana of Ondo State beating Bekefula Tarilyefa from Bayelsa State in the 53kg. Also, Mercy Adekuoroye of Ondo State beat Favour Opuene from Bayelsa State in the 59kg.
In the 55kg event, Idirisi Adijat from Kano State defeated Jumoke Adekoye of Ondo and Bayelsa State sensation Mary Adeloola, to finish first. Similarly, Ebipade Mugaenbola topped her fellow Bayelsa State counterpart Temene Deye and Rachel Felix of Ondo State in the 65kg.
Also, Solomon Ulabo of Bayelsa State, Ebi Akere from Bayelsa State and Okuro Augustine of Delta State secured first positions in the 87kg, 97kg and 130kg respectively. In same vein, Duck Enenibodi from Edo State, Paristan Alfred of N.S.C.D.C and Emmanuel Nworie of Delta State came first in the 60kg, 67kg and 77kg, respectively.
Reacting to Day-1 of the trials, NWF President Igali commended the individual determination of the athletes.
Action continues on Day 2 of the trails as Silver Olympic medalist Blessing Oborodudu among other wrestlers, would take to the mat from 10am (WAT) on Sunday.
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