The 3rd edition of the Governor Douye Diri Wrestling Classics is set to serve as a significant catalyst for Nigeria’s wrestling future, according to Dr. Daniel Igali, the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation. Speaking at the federation’s Annual General Meeting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Igali emphasized the tournament’s importance in discovering and nurturing new wrestling talents that will represent the country in years to come.
Igali highlighted the federation’s success in institutionalizing the Comptroller General of Customs Military National Wrestling Championship, which held its inaugural edition in Abuja last week. He expressed the federation’s commitment to sports development and its dedication to replacing the country’s ageing wrestlers with a new generation of talented athletes.
The wrestling federation president also noted the inclusion of wrestling as a competitive discipline in the Nigeria University Games (NUGA), describing it as a vital opportunity for youth development and talent discovery. Igali further outlined the federation’s impressive achievements over the last 12 years, with the Nigerian wrestlers amassing a total of 260 medals, including 117 gold, 59 silver, and 84 bronze, at continental and international competitions.
Amidst the accolades, Igali extended his gratitude to Governor Douye Diri and the Bayelsa State government for their unwavering support and sponsorship of the Governor Diri Wrestling Classics. The tournament, now in its third edition, is set to commence from November 5th to 9th, 2024, with the junior cadet wrestlers taking to the mats. The Nigeria Wrestling Federation remains steadfast in its mission to harness the country’s wrestling potential and secure a bright future for the sport.
