The Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi has admonished Team Nigeria wrestlers to the nation proud when the Olympics Games gets underway in Paris later this year.
He stated this at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Monday afternoon while personally welcoming Team Nigeria Wrestlers who went to the All African Games in Ghana and also represented the country at the Africa Senior Wrestling Championship in Egypt back to the country.
Mr Adeniyi who is also a board member of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) said this against the backdrop of the superlative performance of the athletes in making the nation proud in Ghana and Egypt.
“I want to warmly welcome you back to the country. Your performance gladdens our hearts for what you have achieved in the couples of weeks you left the country. I want to say congratulations to all of you. The performance is not just about winning but more importantly you demonstrated great courage and will-power to succeed in the midst of daunting difficulties.
“You’re all well discipline and a good ambassador of the country. I salute your courage and determination. Irrespective of what has happened in Accra and Alexandria this is the beginning of better things to come in terms of career progression and personal development.
“I sympathize with those who did not qualify for the Olympics. I know how painful it could be. There was always a learning experience. For those who picked the ticket I congratulate you and looking forward when you will come back from Paris and we be celebrating you like this. I’m sure the federation will give you the best exposures and all the necessary preparation you need to succeed in Paris,” he said.
Speaking earlier, the president of the federation, Champion Igali described the outing as ‘fantastic’ and thumbs up the athletes.
Igali urged all well meaning Nigerians to rally round the athletes and promised that the athletes will be given the best preparation needed to excel in Paris for them to win the necessary medals in Paris.
He disclosed that the athletes will be given one week break before they re-group for Olympics camping.
On arrival in Abuja include the President of the federation, Champion Daniel Igali, vice president Christopher Ampika, secretary general, Alhaji Haruna Maigidasanmo. The athletes include, Ebi Biogos (72kg), Ebipatei Mughenbola(65kg), Mercy Adekuroroye(59kg), Idris Adijat(56kg) , Izolo Stephen who won bronze.
Blueprint Sport can report that two of the athletes are on their way to the United of States of America, they are Adekuoroye Odunayo(57kg) and Ashton Mutuwa(125kg),
Team Nigeria Wrestlers won 6 gold medals, one silver and two bronze medals. While securing six Olympics slot for the country.
