The Nigeria Wrestling Federation is set to commence trials for wrestlers across the country ahead of the 2024 African Games in Accra, Ghana and Olympic Qualifiers in Egypt.
The President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Dr. Daniel Igali while addressing Journalists in Yenagoa on Thursday, noted that the trials will serve as avenue to select the country’s representatives from the top 3 wrestlers in the 22 Olympic weight categories except Odunayo Adekuoroye who has secured qualification to the Paris 2024 Olympics.
According to Daniel Igali the national trials will commence 3rd February to 4th February 2024 at 10am daily at the Ultra Modern wrestling arena PDP Road, Yenizue-gene in the Bayelsa State Capital.
He noted that the records in the Nigeria Wrestling Federation at international events speak volumes for the federation, adding that the nation’s athletes are prepared for the National trials in Yenagoa.
Daniel Igali further expressed high hopes for the Wrestling Federation in 2024 as it being an Olympic year.
“This is a really big year for sports and the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, we have the African Games and Olympic Qualifiers.
This trails we have 22 and 18 weight classes and 4 none Olympic classes and the 4 none Olympic weight classes are Women because we are going with a full female while in the male we would be going with 6 male Olympic weight classes in both Greco-Roman and Freestyle.
So this weekend promises to be intense because everyone would be looking out for an Olympic slot and representing Nigeria in the African Games in Accra, Ghana.” Igali said.
In a goodwill message, Dr Daniel Igali singled out for commendation the magnanimity of the Bayelsa State Government for the continuous sponsorship of the Wrestling Federation activities.
In a similar vain, the Nigeria Wrestling Federation expressed its gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Sports for its support and hope for a better welfare package as it gets into a crucial time ahead of the Olympics.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Wrestling Federation used the medium to invite the general public to come and witness Wrestling at its best in the National Trials slated for 3rd to 4th February 2024 in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.