By Oluwaseyi Oduneye
Lagos – The Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) says it will start its 2017 activities with the 2nd Governor Dickson National Wrestling Classics in Yenagoa, Bayelsa from March 8 to March 13.
The NWF President, Daniel Igali, told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos that the competition was to select wrestlers that would form the national team.
“This is the 2nd Governor Dickson National Wrestling Classics. It’s our national championships and on which the national team is determined for the year,’’ he said.
The 2000 Sydney Olympics gold medalist said that wrestlers would compete in three styles.
“They are the Greco-Roman, Freestyle and Female wrestling. Each style will have 10 weight classes,’’ Igali said, adding that each style starts and finishes competing in one day.
He added that to participate, a wrestler must be a member of a state or a club.
“This is to ascertain that a wrestler can at least be linked to a particular place,’’ said the former wrestler.
He urged the states and clubs willing to participate not to register more than one person in each weight class.
The Olympian advised all participants to give their best at the competition if they truly desire to make the national team.
“Making the national team is a big deal and the slot is for the best and not average wrestlers.
“To be there, you have to fight hard and prove that you have what it takes to make the country proud,’’ said Igali.
