Wrestlers thrill fans at NPWF Mock Championship

By Akeem Lawal

PROFESSIONAL wrestlers thrilled a handful of fans when they appeared at the Mock Wrestling Championship organized by the Nigeria Professional Wrestling Federation at the National Stadium, Surulere in Lagos on Saturday.

 

Sportsbiz247.blogspot.com reports that many eager wrestling fans braved the Covid-19 period for a chance to watch their top stars that did not disappoint with theatrical wrestling and mock combat similar to the fights made famous by the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) franchise.

 

Fans who were made to follow the Covid-19 safety protocols with their face masks, jeered and cheered as the costumed competitors met each other in the ring.

Flying Danko vs Mighty Progress

 

The first match of the day saw Progress Isaac popularly called Mighty Progress defeating Daniel "Flying Danko" Kolawole in 7min 2 sec, while the second match lasted only 8 min 2 sec as Augustine “Mr Sharpman” Okafor beat Philip “Zion Lion” Dan in another thrilling encounter.

Mr Sharpman vs Zion Lion

 

Mighty Man vs Young Power Mike

Also, Okoro “Mighty Man” Happy was too much for Michael “Young Power Mike” Okoli, while Rotimi “Super Rosco” Awoyale and Victor “Power Vick” Ebenezer settled for a time limit draw.

Super Rosco vs Power Vic

 

The only female match was also filled with grunts, slaps, chest pumps, body locks and flips as Jennifer “Alexandra De Queen” Obiora defied all odds to beat much bigger-sized Becky “Iron Lady Becky” Ademoh.

Alexandra De Queen vs Iron Lady Becky

 

In a chat with Sportsbiz247.blogspot.com, NPWF President High Chief John Uche said the federation is committed to reviving the sport ahead of the much hyped championship tagged Presidential Fight Against Corruption “BATTLEGROUND 2021” Series tour that will kick off in Abuja in May and make tour stops throughout the country.

Mighty Man in action against Young Power Mike

 

“We want to showcase what we have to Nigerians and to the world that after the extinction of wrestling in the county, Nigerians thought it is all over. Right now we are trying to resuscitate it and put it back on track so that people will know that what is enjoyed on the international scene like America and other parts of the world is also available here.

 

“We are prepared for the “Battleground” and very soon we will take it to the president for endorsement and unveil the program. The “Battleground” is against corruption that is ravaging Nigeria and entire Africa.

"We intend to have the championship in six states and Abuja being the final. So we are inviting all African wrestlers and international wrestlers all over the world to come and participate. We are beckoning on the government to be part of what we are doing as we also solicit for sponsors from the private sector,” he told Sportsbiz247.blogspot.com.

Flying Danko in action against Mighty Progress

 

Legal Adviser to the federation, Prince Okey-Joe Onuakalusi said wrestling is a veritable sport for economic empowerment.

 

“This event is what we have been working and expecting to see. We want wrestling to return to its rightful place. The sport is one of the instruments where we can be able to generate funds and make life enjoyable.

 

“You can see people present here are enjoying themselves. You can understand when you have 5,000 people in the arena. It is a veritable instrument to generate funds. It is going to put people in a healthy environment and people will be able to do the exercise and go about their lives healthier and happy. So it is one of the things we are looking for, that in the next 12 months, we will be going round the country in order to showcase wrestling and bring it back to Nigeria again.

Alexandra vs Lady Becky

 

“Decades back, wrestling had been a signpost for Nigerians in the sport arena, so we want to return wrestling to international standard, using this very instrument,” Onuakalusi told Sportsbiz247.blogspot.com.

Dignitaries in a group photograph after the event

 Other dignitaries present at the timely mock championship were: Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee of the much awaited Presidential pro wrestling Fight Against Corruption tagged ’’BATTLEGROUND 2021’’, Eze (Dr.) John C. Nwosu; Chief Christopher ekechukwu, LOC member/Woman leader of the project, Chief Mrs. Elizabeth Ijeoma Anowai: Chief Mrs Evelyn Okere Onyung, Princess Ebere Okoh, Chief Kalu Uguru, Chief Ifeanyi Ezenwabasili and Pastor Ugochukwu Ugwa amongst others.