Igali, The Nigeria Wrestling Federation (Nwf) President, Assures That He Will Not Burden Oborududu And Other Athletes With Excessive Expectations Regarding Medal Achievement.

Duro Ikhazuagbe Reporting Live from Paris

In anticipation of Monday’s upcoming matches, Nigerian wrestlers are eagerly striving to secure medals, and their coach, former world champion and Olympic Gold medalist, Daniel Igali, expresses optimism for their success.

Following the team’s final training session, Igali, who won gold for Canada at the Sydney Games 24 years ago, emphasizes his hopeful outlook.

“We are putting the finishing touches to our training as we start the Olympic competition with Blessing Oborududu on the 5th of August,” stated Igali, the president of the Nigerian Wrestling Federation who is actively involved in the team’s technical aspects due to his background as a former wrestler.

Despite the pressure on the wrestlers to improve upon their performance in the Tokyo 2021 Games, where Oborududu secured silver and Odunayo Adekuoroye fell shy of the podium, Igali is steadfast in his support for his athletes.

“I am a very optimistic person and would not put anything beyond my athletes,” Igali emphasizes.

Recognizing that winning is not an instantaneous achievement, Igali shares his realistic perspective on the matter, stating, “To expect gold medals, you should have won at least a gold or silver in the past two years at the World Championships… If we can get on the podium, I would be fulfilled.”

Adding to Igali’s sentiments, Akuh Purity, the Head Coach of the female wrestlers, expresses the team’s determination to exceed previous Olympic records.

“We are aware of a lot of expectations from wrestling, particularly after Okorodudu gave Nigeria a silver medal at the last Olympics,” says Purity, while highlighting the support received from the Nigerian Wrestling Federation and the Federal Ministry of Sports.

Purity acknowledges the importance of unity and support from Nigerians, urging them to pray for the team’s success in representing the nation with pride.

“I just want Nigerians to keep praying for the team, keep supporting us and I can assure them that we will give our 100% performance,” pledges the wrestling coach.