Following the embarrassing loss of the Nigerian national team at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Dr. Daniel Igali, has called on the Federal Government to get serious about developing the sport.
Igali made the call on Wednesday during a press conference with journalists at the ongoing National Youth Games (NYG) in Asaba.
This is similar to the former Olympic champion’s disastrous performance at the Paris Olympics due to the Ministry of Sports’ incompetent planning and lack of funding.
The world champions say the fire brigade’s commitment to tournaments is contributing to the slow development of the game across the country, hindering its progress.
Igali noted that if Nigeria wants to do well in international competitions, there is a need to refocus on one important thing: age-group competition.
He stressed that deliberate steps need to be taken to eliminate age cheating as the purpose of the competition is being undermined.
Mr. Igali argued that every competition has its own characteristics, and predicted that the youth games have failed because those tasked with selecting players have turned it into a match that looks like the highest bidder. He said that it is becoming.
“To meet this challenge, we need to adopt a proactive approach. Governments will need to be serious about developing the sport.
“Having said that, I must commend the Delta State government for hosting the Youth Games, but not for age-rigging as this is the most important tournament being held in the country today. I have to express my displeasure about this tournament,” Igali said.
Mr. Igali, who said the development and promotion of grassroots sports should be encouraged at all levels, expressed his dismay at the desire of some states to win at all costs, thereby discrediting the efforts of other states. I hid it.
The NWF president also said that the wrestling federation will invite the top six wrestlers from the ongoing 8th NYG to the national team camp in Bayelsa for intensive training and nutrition.
In another development, the Chairman of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation has taken to the medium to announce that he will not contest the position of Chairman when his term expires next year.
Igali said the wrestling federation’s bylaws do not allow for a fifth reign as NWF president after 12 years.
Mr. Igali pointed out that guaranteeing another term would be unconstitutional as the federation would be looking for a competent person to take charge of its affairs.
As a member of United World Wrestling (UWW), he said that even if he retires, he will continue to be involved in the wrestling federation’s activities and contribute to its growth and development.
WhatsApp Email LinkedIn Twitter Facebook
Source link
