36 States, 20 Corporate, Military, and Paramilitary Wrestling Clubs to Participate
The Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) has announced that the 13th National Wrestling Championship and 3rd Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Classics will take place in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State from November 3rd to 10th, 2024. The event is expected to feature over 1,000 participants, including wrestlers and officials from 36 states and 20 corporate, military, and paramilitary wrestling clubs across the nation.
In a press release signed by Dr. Daniel Baraladei Igali, NWF President and Olympic Gold medalist, the tournament aims to discover and nurture top wrestling talent for future national and international competitions. Dr. Igali emphasized that the Classics, themed “Preparing Champions for the Future”, will serve as a platform for identifying outstanding athletes capable of bringing laurels to Nigeria on the global stage.
The competition will be held at the Samson Siasia Multipurpose Hall in Yenagoa and will feature various categories, including Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling for both male and female athletes. It promises to attract a wide range of local and international participants, including coaches, referees, and officials, further solidifying its status as a key event on Nigeria’s sporting calendar.
Dr. Igali, who also serves as the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports Development, noted that the tournament plays a crucial role in grooming wrestlers for international competitions like the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships. Since its inaugural edition in 2022, the Douye Diri Wrestling Classics has grown significantly, with Bayelsa State emerging victorious in the first edition. The 2023 edition expanded with more international participants and served as a qualifier for the Pre-Olympic World Championship in Serbia.
Key NWF Board Members expected to attend the event include:
- Alhaji Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller General of Customs
- Chief Emeka Offor, Philanthropist and Billionaire
- Mr. Christopher Yaba Amkpila, Vice President
- Dr. Mrs. Toyibat Odunola Bello, 2nd Vice President
- Gen. Fawole Olawale
- Dr. Jude Amado Adebola
- Sarah Esan
- Engr. Magnus Ede
Also in attendance will be notable wrestling stars such as Olympic silver medalist Blessing Oborududu, Happiness Burutu, and Abdullahi Ibrahim.
The Douye Diri Wrestling Classics has established itself as a premier event for promoting talent development, fostering national unity, and enhancing Nigeria’s international competitiveness in the sport.
