THE Nigeria Wrestling Federation of Nigeria (WFN), has unveiled the six wrestlers who will fly the nation’s flag at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France.
The team, which comprises five female wrestlers, one male freestyle wrestler and three coaches, was presented at a ceremony held at the Dynamite Wrestling gym in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The wrestlers are Olympics silver medalist Blessing Oborodudu (68kg), reigning African champion Odunayo Adekuoroye (57kg), and Military world champion Hannah Reuben (76kg).
Also, reigning African champions and debutants, Esther Kolawole (62kg) and Ogunsanya Christinah (53kg), while Ashton Mutuwa completes the list in the (125kg) men’s freestyle.
The coaches who will guide the wrestlers are; Victor Kodei, Purity Akuh, and Happiness Burutu.
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, the president Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali, expressed confidence that the wrestlers will put up a good performance at this year’s Olympics.
Igali who doubles as commissioner for Sports Development in Bayelsa, noted that the federation is going to the ancient games to compete and not just mere participation,
He said that the wrestling federation has since moved beyond participating in the tournament to aspiring for laurels.
While appreciating Governor Douye Diri for his unflinching support for sports, he also commended the President Nigeria Olympic Committee NOC Engr. Habu Gumel for giving wrestling due attention.
He equally lauded the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoch, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Development, Mrs. Grace Alagoa, Director of Sports, Sir Braveman Wodi and the media for the untiring support.
“The Nigeria Wrestling Federation is a very serious body. The athletes have been in camp training for a couple of weeks now and in my view they’re prepared.
“They are not going to Paris to participate but to compete, and you know when someone competes is for medals, and we are hoping that if we compete very well, the medals will come,” Igali said.
Earlier, the Bayelsa State Government, through the Secretary to the State government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, who bids farewell to the contingents, urged them to make Nigerians proud.
The athletes and officials are expected to depart Nigeria for Spain on Wednesday for a pre-Olympic tournament in Madrid before settling in Germany for their last camping ahead of the games proper.