By Akeem Lawal
AHEAD of the 2017 National Sports Federations scheduled
to hold in Abuja on Tuesday, 13th June, 2017, most of Nigerian wrestlers are
clamouring for the return of Hon. Daniel Igali as the President of the Nigeria
Wrestling Federation, sportsbiz247.blogspot.com reports.
Igali, who also doubles as the Technical Director of the
Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) is seeking a re-election after recording series
of achievements during his last tenure.
While declaring his intention recently on his Facebook
page, Igali said, “Almost all my national team athletes and coaches have been
calling to ask if I had submitted my form to contest for the position of
President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation - election comes up on 13th JUNE.
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| Igali with wrestlers and technical crew ahead of the Rio 2016 Olympics |
“I had remained silent. But today, I replied several of
their text messages. They deserve to have a president, who understands when
they frown, who understands hunger pangs and the dizziness that accompanies
cutting weight; who knows how they feel when they bleed.
One who will be at
their practices; one who will celebrate their victories and defeats with them.
A fan, cheerleader, coach, training partner, motivator and critic. One who
will walk side by side with them to the podium in Tokyo 2020. It's a YES!,” the
Olympics gold medalist said.
Many of the athletes that carried solidarity placards on Monday including seven-time Africa champion,
Blessing Oborududu; commonwealth gold medalists duo of Odunayo Adekuoroye and
Aminat Adeniyi; African champion, Mercy Genesis; Blessing Onyebuchi, Jackson
Oluwafemi wants Igali to continue as president
of the NWF because according to them, he is the reason they are Champions on the
continent.
Adekuoroye said on her Facebook page, “For Nigeria
wrestling federation election, I believe we have only one candidate HON DR
DANIEL IGALI, the people’s choice.”
Adeniyi on the other hand said, “No one can do it better
than you sir, you are tested ok! It’s a privilege to have you again and again.
“Our coach, training partner, manager, articulate,
dependable leader, YOU ARE OUR CHOICE! Vote Hon.Dr. champion Daniel Igali for
president Nigeria Wrestling Federation.”
2015 All Africa Games silver medalist Blessing Onyebuchi
said, “Good morning, brothers and sisters, coaches, technical crew and board
members of wrestling association. Please I beg you all in the name of God, as
you guys are going to vote, please vote for the right person who knows what
wrestling is all about, not a person who never fight wrestling before.
“Please guys, since Daniel Igali became wrestling
president, other associations always look at us and say ‘why can't we look like
wrestlers, they travel always? Yes why it is like that is because we have a
good president in Daniel Igali. Please all I am trying to say is that Daniel Igali must be our president. Thanks,” she posted on her Facebook page.
National champion, Christopher Clark, however asked other
contestants some cogent questions. He said, “Greed has been one thing in
politics never known to the next person that experience, love for the game as
well passion is the bedrock to the success of the wrestling federation.
1. Can you feed the team as Hon. Daniel Igali?
2. Can you teach the wrestlers by pulling off your coat
to train with the team as Hon. D. Igali?
3. Can you spend your personal money for the team without
federal government cash approval? etc.
Hon. D. Igali deserves the last chance Nigeria,” he said.
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