Nigeria Wrestling Federation Lauds Governor Diri’s Commitment to Sports Development at Annual General Meeting
The President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Dr. Daniel Igali, has emphasized that the 3rd Gov Douye Diri Wrestling Federation Classics will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Nigerian wrestling by providing an invaluable platform to discover new talent. Dr. Igali made the remarks during the NWF’s Annual General Meeting in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, as the championship kicked off.
Speaking about the significance of the competition, Dr. Igali highlighted that this event is crucial not only for fostering talent but also for the future of Nigerian wrestling, as it will help to identify athletes who will represent the country in upcoming international competitions. He further stressed that there is a need to nurture the next generation of wrestlers to replace the aging stars who have made significant contributions to Nigeria’s success on the global stage.
In his address, Dr. Igali also lauded the federation’s success in institutionalizing the Comptroller General of Customs Military National Wrestling Championship, a tournament designed for military and paramilitary personnel. The inaugural edition of this event took place in Abuja last week, further expanding the reach and depth of Nigerian wrestling.
The NWF president reiterated the federation’s commitment to the development of wrestling at all levels. Under his leadership, the federation has made significant strides, including the inclusion of wrestling as a competitive sport in the Nigeria University Games (NUGA), a development that provides an important avenue for discovering young talent and nurturing the country’s future champions.
Dr. Igali took pride in the federation’s achievements over the last 12 years, noting that it has organized and participated in various national, continental, and international championships. The NWF has seen remarkable success, securing 117 gold, 59 silver, and 84 bronze medals—totaling 260 medals—across these events. Dr. Igali called this achievement a testament to the dedication of the athletes, coaches, and officials involved.
Congratulating Mallam Shehu Dikko on his appointment as Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Dr. Igali also thanked Governor Douye Diri for his unwavering support of the tournament and wrestling in general. He praised the governor’s continued sponsorship of the competition, which he described as a vital contribution to the success of the federation and the overall development of sports in the country.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Hon. Tare Porri, commended the sport of wrestling for bringing global recognition to Nigeria, noting that the country’s wrestlers have achieved great success on the world stage. He acknowledged the crucial role of Governor Douye Diri’s support in propelling Nigerian wrestling to its current heights.
Also offering goodwill messages were the Zonal Coordinator of the National Sports Commission (South-South), Mr. Obong Sylvester Essiet, NWF First Vice President, Mr. Chris Amkpila, and Second Vice President, Dr. Odunola Belo, who all thanked Governor Diri for his exceptional dedication to sports development in Bayelsa and beyond.
The 3rd Gov Douye Diri Wrestling Classics, the 13th edition of the National Wrestling Classics, officially began with the Junior Cadet wrestlers taking to the mats. The competition is set to continue through November 9, 2024, with more intense action expected as the tournament progresses.
