President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) Hon. Daniel Igali has expressed satisfaction with the performance of cadet (under 15) athletes at the ongoing 3rd Gov. Dickson National Classics in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Stephen Israel (46kg) from Delta State, Terry Godwin (48kg) of Team Bayelsa, Clever Undunipre (46kg) of Sports Academy, Asoama and Popoola Rebecca (36kg) of Ondo State, are among the athletes that impressed early last week when the cadet wrestlers took to the mat.
“I think for the level of wrestling for school age, essentially; under 15, I am very impressed with even the level of technique I’ve seen, the desire, you see very young athletes losing and crying,” the NWF supremo said. “That shows you someone who wants to do well so badly. So, I’m quite impressed with what I’ve seen, and I hope to see a bit more when the senior wrestlers start,” Igali said.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) has extended the competition by two days.
The competition earlier scheduled to end on 30th June, will now be concluded on 2nd July.
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The extension is at the instance of the sponsor of the competition, Governor Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State.
“The Governor wants to be personally at the finals of the Governor Seriake National Wrestling Classics. He understands the importance of this tournament, does not want to send a representative and has very important functions on the 29th and 30th (June) which is Saturday and Sunday,” the NWF boss explained.
“So, he essentially pleaded with the Nigeria Wrestling Federation for us to extend it by two days because he wants to be personally there at the finals.
“The board of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation has met; we’ve also met with stakeholders of the teams and agreed that it is worth doing, it’s worthwhile.”
Hon. Igali, who is also the vice president of Commonwealth Wrestling Board, equally informed that Governor Dickson has agreed to foot the extra bills that will be incurred by the various teams as a result of the extension.
