Igali wants training partners in Rio, as NWF unveils Olympic wrestlers

By Akeem Lawal
PRESIDENT of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Hon Daniel Igali has emphasized the need for the country to take the training partners of wrestlers to Rio Olympics if the country is to produce a medal.

Igali during the official unveiling of Team Nigeria wrestlers in Abuja on Saturday, said the team is competing on 17th August, 16 days after arrival as it will affect the level of their performance.

The 2000 Sydney Olympics gold medalist said in elite sports little things matters a lot, emphasising that the nation must pass through due process and not to depend on luck.

"I don't believe in outcome, I believe in process as part of the process is their training partners. We don't have to do things the Nigeria way but the right way," Igali said.

"If you (Nigerians) want medals, come forward to us as we (the Nigeria wrestling team) needs to take five training and one coach. The wrestlers cannot afford to stay off shape as over 200 teams will participate in wresting," he noted.

On medals prospect of the Team, a confident Igali disclosed that the present crop of wrestlers are probably the best going to the Olympics.

He noted that they have dedicated years in producing this current team stressing that they are aware of what the country expect from them.

"They deserve to be appreciated and celebrated. There is this silent optimist feeling inside of me that these gladiators will make good on their potential and promise.
"I can't wait for them to take to the mats in Rio. As they leave for Rio on the 1st of August, I wish them all the luck in the world."

SportingLife reports that the seven Olympic-bound wrestlers consisting of five female: Mercy Genesis (48kg), Odunayo Adekuoroye (53kg), Aminat Adeniyi (58kg), Blessing Oborududu (63kg) and Hannah Reuben (69Kg) as well as two male; Amas Daniel (65kg) and Soso Tamarau (97kg) that will represent the country were unveiled with the kits they will be putting on in Rio.