The Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) is set to commence trials for wrestlers across the country ahead of the 2024 African Games in Accra, Ghana and Olympic Qualifiers in Egypt.
President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Dr. Daniel Igali, while addressing Journalists in Yenagoa on Thursday, noted that the trials will serve as avenue to select the country’s representatives from the top three wrestlers in the 22 Olympic weight categories except Odunayo Adekuoroye who has secured qualification to the Paris 2024 Olympics.
According to Igali, the national trials will commence February 3 by 10am daily at the Ultra Modern wrestling arena PDP Road, Yenizue-gene in the Bayelsa state capital.
He noted that the records in the NWF at international events speak volumes for the federation, adding that the nation’s athletes are prepared for the National trials in Yenagoa.
Igali further expressed high hopes for the Wrestling Federation in 2024, being an Olympic year.
“This is a really big year for sports and the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, we have the African Games and Olympic Qualifiers.
“This trails we have 22 and 18 weight classes and 4 non-Olympic classes and the 4 non-Olympic weight classes are Women because we are going with a full female while in the male we would be going with 6 male Olympic weight classes in both Greco-Roman and Freestyle.
“So this weekend promises to be intense because everyone would be looking out for an Olympic slot and representing Nigeria in the African Games in Accra, Ghana,” Igali said.
In a goodwill message, Igali singled out for commendation the magnanimity of the Bayelsa State Government for the continuous sponsorship of the Wrestling Federation activities.
In a similar vain, the MWF expressed its gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Sports for its support and hope for a better welfare package as it gets into a crucial time ahead of the Olympics.
