Igali bemoans paucity of fund as Oborududu, others shine

President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Mr. Daniel Igali has expressed delight at the performance of the four athletes that represented the nation at the Commonwealth Wrestling Championships in Brakpan, South Africa. The championship was held between December 14 and 17.

In a text message to The Guardian, Igali said the nation won four medals from the four wrestlers that took part at the championship.

According to him, Aminat Adeniyi won bronze in the 63 kg; a silver by Blessing Oborududu in 68kg; also silver by Gofit Winnie (72kg) and gold by Kemeasuodei Dressman in the 76 kg.

Igali is thrilled that despite the circumstances surrounding their preparations for the tournament, the wrestlers still made the nation proud.

“The performance of the wrestlers was fantastic. God keeps away flies from the tailless cow. I was able to offset the first two days of our hotel accommodation, but the last two days are a problem now.

“I am still negotiating the $2, 700 bill to be paid at a later date. Anyway, considering that this was a core preparatory ground for the Commonwealth Games, I can tell you we have a ton of work to do.

“However, considering the circumstances and preparations for this tournament, I am really proud of the girls as they made the nation and me proud,” he said.

It will be recalled that only four wrestlers and three officials travelled for the Commonwealth Wrestling Championships in South Africa, which was part of preparations for next year’s Commonwealth Games in Australia.

The athletes dropped due to paucity of funds include 2014 Commonwealth gold medalist, Mercy Genesis; 2014 World Bronze medalists, Makanjuola Bisola and Samuel Bose; Africa champions, John Emmanuel, Victor Firstman and Daniel Amas.

The nation’s medal hopeful, Odunayo Adekuoroye, gained an automatic qualification for the Commonwealth Games after her feat World Wrestling Championship event in Paris, France.

Adekuoroye narrowly missed out on becoming the first African woman to win a gold medal at the world championship when she was beaten to the gold medal by Japan’s Haruna Okuno, who won the 55kg final match 5-4.