Japan 2020
Olympic silver medalist Blessing Oborodudu booked a slot in next month's
African Games in Accra, Ghana. Blessing wasted no time dispatching her 68kg
opponent Tokere Appah of Bayelsa in a pinballs dominant fashion. Ebi Biogos of
Bayelsa and Hannah Reuben of the Nigerian Army also came out victorious in the
72kg and 76kg respectively. In the male freestyle, Soto Tamarau of Delta and
Ashton Mutuwa of Plateau caused an upset in the 97kg and 125kg. The new
American based sensation Ashton Mutuwa upset National champion Progress Benson
of Rivers to secure the African Games qualification and Olympic Qualifiers.
Similarly, Harrison Isrsal of Bayelsa dented the hopes of Jackson Oluwafemi of
Ondo who is a national champion in the 86kg. Earlier, in the 65kg Stephen Simon
of Bayelsa defeated former national champion Amahs Daniel of Bayelsa while
Brave man Pere in the 74kg secured qualification to the Games in Accra, Ghana.
In the 57kg Enozumini Simon of Edo joined the winning parade by cementing his
slot at the African Games. An elated president of the Wrestling Federation, Dr.
Daniel Italia who spoke to Journalists at the end of the National trials in
Yenagoa, applauded the efforts of all the wrestlers for their doggedness and
zeal to win. Daniel Igali who showered praises on the Technical and officials
for hosting a successful event said that despite what he saw, there is still
much room for improvement. He singled out once again adequate preparation for
the Nation's athletes going for the African Games. In a concluding remarks,
Daniel Igali expressed the Wrestling Federation’s deep appreciation to the
government of Bayelsa State for the warmth reception and hosting of the
National Trials. "I want to thank the Bayelsa State Government for the
support to host this trials for the African Games and Olympic Qualifiers,
having said that, I think it was a well contested tournament There were a
couple of young athletes I saw here that got me very excited, every weight
class was well contested for that gives me a lot of joy However, our
performance would be determined by how we prepare because I don't think our
athletes are prepared well enough to start thinking of gold so we need to start
camping immediately." Igali stated. Meanwhile, the African Games is
scheduled in the capital city of Accra, Ghana from 8th to 24th March 2024 while
the first Olympic Qualifiers for the year runs from 12TH – 20TH March
Alexander, Egypt.
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