Our wrestlers are primed to win medals, says Igali

President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Daniel Igali, is hopeful that Team Nigeria’s wrestlers will win medals at the All Africa Games scheduled for Congo Brazzaville between September 4 and 19.

Igali, who expressed satisfaction with the spirit he saw in the team’s camp, said: “The wrestlers are in Abuja preparing well and they are in a very good spirit. They have been in the camp for about two and a half weeks now. Next weekend we are going to have a national trial to select those that will be representing the nation.”

The 2000 Olympic Games gold medalist commended the National Sports Commission (NSC) for the facilities provided for the wrestlers, adding, “The wrestlers and the weightlifters are the only people making use of the High Performance Centre provided by the NSC, which is a very fabulous facility. The waiting room, the accommodation and even the cafeteria is of high standard. I am happy that the athletes are finally getting to be treated the way they should.

“Last week, they had three times a day training session, now it has reduced to twice a day. So we are getting them to where we want them to be. The National Sports Commission has also approved an expatriate from Europe to assist the coaches. Expectantly, we should have him by the first week of August. In all, we are happy with where we are so far.”

Igali, who is the chairman, Technical and Development Commission of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), added: “Two of our athletes will be going to the world championship coming up in Las Vegas, United States from September 6 to 12. Our plan is based on our belief because of the competition at hand. Our appearance at the All African Games is for performance and not the glitter and glamour of the Games.

“We will be going to Congo Brazzaville with 20 to 21 wrestlers and our team may not leave with the other athletes. We may leave here say either September 13 or 14. Our plan is to be there close to the schedule of our event. I know the stress and problems associated with sports competition environment such as the All Africa Games. I am hopeful that anybody we are taking to the All African Games will win a medal.”

Igali praised the Acting Director General of the NSC, Al-Hassan Yakmut, saying, “life has returned back to the Sports Commission; this is a clear departure from what it used to be. For every of our demand there had been quick response.

I see a lot of good things from Yakmut, who incidentally was an athlete. So far, we have not had any issue with the training facilities. As for the training kits and others, the wrestlers are still managing the ones they have until the NSC provide them as promised by the DG.”