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Tag: Wrestling

  • Purity commits to growth of wrestling in Southwest

    Purity commits to growth of wrestling in Southwest

    Women’s national team wrestling coach, Purity Akuh, has pledged total commitment to the development and growth of wrestling  after securing a  seat  as the South West zone representative seat in the board of Nigeria Wrestling Federation(NWF).

    Speaking to journalists after the election, Purity vowed to support  wrestling in the South West after he pulled  the available six votes from the  six states in a dominant fashion.

    Read Also: VAR  denies  Iheanacho historic Celtic goal in Europa loss

    The UWW Educator noted that sports is a veritable instrument of reducing crime and unemployment if optimally pursued, hence his total drive to see it develop in the South West

    “As you know, sports generate big foreign exchange for countries all over the world. This and many other embedded issues surrounding and affecting sports, particularly in wrestling, will be addressed passionately and with all sincerity of purpose,” he stated.

    He  thanked the President Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Honourable Daniel Igali, who was his national team coach in his wrestling days and the entire wrestling family for counting him worthy to be elected as NWF board member.

    Purity also appreciated the governor of Ondo state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the state Honourable commissioner for Sports Development for their overwhelming support

    Assuring that the experience he acquired as a wrestler and having gone through technical trainings to be certified as UWW Educator will be made manifest, bringing to the NWF board technical insights among other qualities.

    “I want to thank the governor of my state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the commissioner and my mentor, Daniel Igali, for the tremendous support I have received and the people of South West in supporting this mandate. Gratitude is not enough to express how elated I am to serve at this capacity.”

  • Igali reaffirms grassroots dev’t to sustain wrestling growth

    Igali reaffirms grassroots dev’t to sustain wrestling growth

    The Nigeria Wrestling Federation has reiterated its commitment to identify and nurture the generation of wrestling champions

    The President Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Honourable Daniel Igali,  said as much at the federation’s  Annual General Meeting in Yenagoa.

    He said  there was the urgent need to replace ageing and legendary athletes such as Ifeoma Iheanacho, Blessing Oborodudu, Odunayo Adekuoroye, Aminat Adeniyi among others who have taken wrestling to international heights.

    He said: “As we gather today, let us reflect on the extraordinary journey, a testament to excellence and resilience that span 12 remarkable years. The Wrestling Federation has evolved from modest beginnings into a formidable force in the realm of sports, earning both national and international accolades.

    “Nigeria has emerged as an indomitable presence in women’s freestyle wrestling, where we have successfully defended our championship title at the African Championships an impressive 14 times. Names like Ifeoma Iheanacho became our first two-time world medallist; Blessing Oborodudu made Nigeria proud by securing our first ever Olympic medal in Tokyo 2020 while Odunayo Adekuoroye has graced the podium with four world championships medals.

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    “However, as we reflect on our past successes, many of our legendary athletes are either ageing or retired and like a seasoned farmer cultivating a new soil, we must understand that replacing such extraordinary talents requires time and substantial investment.”

    “We must become stewards of our sports, focusing on grassroots development and integrating long-term strategies into our community’s fabric. I urged all stakeholders to remain steadfast and committed as we navigate this transition; the path ahead may be challenging, but our legacy depends on it.” Igali added.

    In his remarks, the chairman house committee on Sports Bayelsa State House of Assembly, honourable Tare Porri who was the special guest of honour, commended the immense contribution of the Wrestling Federation to the development of abundant talent of athletes across the country.

    The lawmaker described wrestling as one of Nigeria’s major areas of strengths heading into international competitions, thus the need for government at all levels to collaborate for its growth.

    “Having followed Wrestling in major and international events across the world, I’m particularly excited with the impact Wrestling Federation has had, which I have witnessed.”

    “Wrestling has consistently given Nigeria a bragging right in notable competitions both in Africa and around the globe and I want to thank His Excellency, Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri for being generous in the sponsorship of wrestling events and I call on other state governors to follow this laudable steps because Wrestling surely has the advantage for Nigeria to excel in global tournaments.” Porri said.

  • Nigeria rakes more medals in men’s freestyle wrestling

    Nigeria rakes more medals in men’s freestyle wrestling

    Though not as dominant as their women’s counterparts that made a clean sweep  of the six available gold medal  in wrestling on Sunday,  Team Nigeria’s  men wrestlers  yesterday secured six more medals  including three silvers and  one bronze.

    Ashton Mutuwa lost 12-0 superiority to Youssif  Hemida of Egypt in the 125kg final to settle for silver medal  while Simeon Enozumini  also clinched silver medal after suffering defeat in the final to Egyptian Gamal Mohammed in the 57kg.Ditto for  Izolo Stephen in the 65kg  who got silver following 10-0 superiority loss to Mourad O. of Egypt.

    Read Also: Wrestling Federation  to commence  trials for Africa  Games

    In the 86kg Harrison Onovwiomogbohwo settled for bronze after a walkover against Egypt Ahmed Khaled while Braveman Oyeinkeperemo lost his 74kg bronze match to Mukendi A. of Congo.

    It would be recalled   that Team  Nigeria’s  women wrestlers produced incredible display  by winning  the available  six gold  in as many as  events at the African Games.

    Yesterday’s result means  that  Team Nigeria  won  six gold medal,  three silver and  two  bronze in total through wrestling.

  • Wrestling Federation  to commence  trials for Africa  Games

    Wrestling Federation  to commence  trials for Africa  Games

    The Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF)is set to commence trials for wrestlers across the country ahead of the 2024 African Games in Accra, Ghana and Olympic Qualifiers in Egypt.

    The President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation,  Dr. Daniel Igali said  as much in Yenagoa  yesterday, adding the trials will serve as avenue to select the country’s representatives from the top 3 wrestlers in the 22 Olympic weight categories except Odunayo Adekuoroye who has secured qualification to the Paris 2024 Olympics.

    According to Igali, the national trials will commence from tomorrow (February 3) till Sunday ( February 4)  at 10am daily at the ultra-modern Wrestling Arena on  PDP Road, Yenizue-gene in the Bayelsa State Capital.

    He noted that the records in the Nigeria Wrestling Federation at international events speak volumes for the federation, adding that the nation’s athletes are prepared for the National trials in Yenagoa.

    He further expressed high hopes for the Wrestling Federation in 2024 as it being an Olympic year.

    He said: “This is a really big year for sports and the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, we have the African Games and Olympic Qualifiers.

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    “This trials  we have 22 and 18 weight classes and 4 none Olympic classes and the 4 none Olympic weight classes are Women because we are going with a full female while in the male we would be going with 6 male Olympic weight classes in both Greco-Roman and Freestyle.

    “So this weekend promises to be intense because everyone would be looking out for an Olympic slot and representing Nigeria in the African Games in Accra,  Ghana.” Igali said.

    In a goodwill message, Igali commended  the magnanimity of the Bayelsa State Government for the continuous sponsorship of the Wrestling Federation activities.

    Similarly, the Nigeria Wrestling Federation expressed its gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Sports for its support and hope for a better welfare package as it gets into a crucial time ahead of the Olympics.

    Meanwhile, the NWF  used the medium to invite the general public to come and witness Wrestling at its best in the National Trials slated for 3rd to 4th February 2024 in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

  • Top 10 strongest WWE wrestlers in 2023

    Top 10 strongest WWE wrestlers in 2023

    Wrestling has a rich history spanning thousands of years, with roots in ancient civilizations like Greece, Rome, and Egypt.

    Over time, the sport has evolved, giving rise to various international styles and tactics. One enduring aspect that has consistently captivated fans is the display of raw physical strength by its participants.

    In the contemporary landscape of professional wrestling, 2023 boasts a roster of some of the strongest and most skilled wrestlers in history.

    One interesting aspect to note is the increasing prominence of betting platforms like mostbet pl in the world of professional wrestling. These platforms allow fans to engage with the sport on a whole new level, adding an element of excitement and involvement as they place bets on their favorite wrestlers and matches.

    Whether showcasing brute strength or technical prowess, these wrestlers have made a significant impact, captivating audiences worldwide.

    This article delves into the top 10 strongest wrestlers currently dominating the world of wrestling in 2023.

    These wrestlers have consistently showcased the skills needed to dominate their adversaries and emerge victorious. Without delay, let’s delve into the list and discover who has earned their place at the top.

    1. Mark Henry

    Mark Henry is a legendary wrestler who has been known for his immense strength and power throughout his career. As of 2023, he is still considered one of the top 10 strongest wrestlers in the world. Henry’s impressive feats of strength include lifting over 1,000 pounds in a single deadlift and pulling a semi-truck with his bare hands.

    Back in 2002, Mark competed in the first-ever Arnold Strongman Classic and won first place by beating seven other men. Five of those men had qualified for the competition, including two previous winners of the World’s Strongest Man competition. Mark had also taken part in the Olympics twice, in 1992 and 1996, and even won a medal at the Pan American Games.

    He has also won multiple championships throughout his career, including the World Heavyweight Championship and the ECW Championship. Despite his retirement from in-ring competition, Mark Henry’s legacy as one of the strongest wrestlers in history continues to live on.

    2. John Cena

    John Cena has faced a lot of criticism in his career, but one thing people can’t deny is his dedication to fitness. He lifts weights regularly and is almost at the level of a world-class weightlifter. Even though he may not have the technical abilities of some other wrestlers, Cena always tries to add new moves to his repertoire to improve his performance.

    He is known for his mental toughness and willingness to push himself for the good of the product, even when facing criticism. While he may have started out trying to become a bodybuilder, Cena has always had a passion for professional wrestling.

    3. Ezekiel Jackson

    Ezekiel Jackson is one of the top 10 strongest wrestlers in the world as of 2023. He is known for his impressive physique and raw power, which have earned him the nickname “The Personification of Domination”. Jackson has won multiple championships throughout his career, including the ECW Championship and the Intercontinental Championship.

    He is also a former member of The Corre, a stable of dominant wrestlers. Although Jackson has not been active in wrestling in recent years, his legacy as one of the strongest and most dominant wrestlers in history continues to be remembered by fans.

    4. The Rock

    Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time and is still considered one of the top 10 strongest wrestlers in the world as of 2023. He has a chiseled physique and impressive strength that have earned him countless championship titles, including the WWE Championship multiple times.

    In addition to his wrestling success, The Rock has also become a Hollywood superstar, starring in blockbuster films such as “Jumanji” and “Fast and Furious”. Despite his busy acting career, The Rock remains a beloved figure in the wrestling community, and his legacy as one of the strongest wrestlers of all time lives on.

    5. Brock Lesnar

    The former UFC heavyweight champion is incredibly strong, Brock Lesnar was a force to be reckoned with from the moment he debuted, using his strength to succeed in the WWE, attempt a career in the NFL, and even reach the top of the UFC.

    Lesnar is known for relying on his physical prowess to achieve his goals, and he can easily lift and throw opponents much smaller than him. Watching Lesnar in action is truly a sight to behold.

    6. Big Show

    Big Show, also known as Paul Wight, is one of the top 10 strongest wrestlers in the world as of 2023. Standing over 7 feet tall and weighing over 400 pounds, he is a formidable force in the ring. Big Show has won multiple championships throughout his career.

    He is known for his incredible strength and ability to dominate opponents with his sheer size and power. Despite being in the later stages of his career, Big Show remains a respected and feared wrestler, with his legacy as one of the strongest wrestlers of all time secured.

    7. Kane

    Kane, also known as Glenn Jacobs, is one of the strongest wrestlers in the world as of 2023. With a towering height of 7 feet and a muscular build, Kane has the raw power to dominate his opponents in the ring. He has won multiple championships throughout his career, including the WWE Championship and the World Heavyweight Championship. Kane is also known for his unique character and intimidating presence, often wearing a mask and setting off pyrotechnics during his entrance.

    8. Lord Tensai

    Lord Tensai, also known as Matt Bloom, is one of the strongest wrestlers in the world as of 2023. He has a large and muscular build that makes him a formidable opponent in the ring. Throughout his career, he has won multiple championships in various promotions, including the WWE. Lord Tensai is also known for his impressive martial arts skills, having trained extensively in Japan before becoming a wrestler.

    He is a dominant force in the ring, often using his strength and martial arts prowess to overpower and defeat his opponents. Lord Tensai’s strength and unique fighting style continue to make him a feared competitor in the world of professional wrestling.

    9. Sheamus

    Despite being known as a brawler and holding the title of the Great White and current World Heavyweight Champion, Sheamus is actually quite versatile in his abilities. He can perform various tasks, such as leaping over obstacles, using his agility for a Brogue Kick, and using his strength for a High Cross. Even though he weighs almost 270 pounds, Sheamus is also incredibly flexible.

    However, he struggles with managing his anger, which affects his professional shape. Overall, Sheamus is a physically and mentally powerful wrestler in the WWE.

    10. Ryback

    Ryback, also known as Ryan Reeves, is one of the strongest wrestlers in the world as of 2023. He has a muscular build and is known for his impressive feats of strength in the ring. Ryback has competed in various promotions, including the WWE, where he gained a reputation as a dominant force.

    Ryback has been very strong in his past two squash matches, it’s scary to think about how much stronger he could get because he still has a lot of potentials.

    His signature move, Shell Shocked, involves lifting his opponent onto his shoulders and then dropping them to the ground with incredible force.

    Conclusion

    We’ve taken a look at the top 10 strongest wrestlers in the world in 2023, and let’s just say that we wouldn’t want to get on their bad side! These wrestlers have proven that they have the strength, skill, and determination to dominate their opponents and come out victorious.

    It’s no wonder that they are some of the most beloved and feared wrestlers in the industry today. So if you ever find yourself face-to-face with one of these powerhouse wrestlers, just remember to run the other way and hope for the

  • American instructor predicts bright future for Nigeria’s wrestling

    American instructor predicts bright future for Nigeria’s wrestling

    As the IOC Coaching Course for the Nigeria Wrestling Coaches/Referees intensifies, American facilitator Zac Dominguez has expressed satisfaction with the attitude of the coaches toward improving their technical skills, game strategy, injury prevention, and player development.

    The US-based Wrestling instructor was quoted as saying  by the Media Assistant of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation Promise Okotoko .

    According to  Dominguez the reception of the coaches/Referees have been impressive with the aim of improving their coaching and strategies for the next generation of talented players.

    “The officials are eager to learn and they are doing a fantastic job, I know you can’t see it but I can tell you that they’ve poured their heart out to being  coaches,” Dominguez reportedly said. “I can tell you that better coaches bring better athletes and then Nigeria will have stamp on the map that will produce Olympic and World champions.

    “I think this is the beginning of something great for Nigeria.”

    Read Also: Adekuoroye grabs  Paris 2024 wrestling ticket

    The American facilitator praised  hospitality of the Nigerians especially with the supply of some local delicacies

    “The environment is good although little hot for my taste but I will get better ,” Dominguez further said. “But I must say I didn’t know Nigerians like hot food spicy food I love it because I’m a bit spicy food guy and the people here have been unbelievable nice, they’ve taken care of everything we need.”

    Meanwhile,  the president Nigeria Wrestling Federation Champion Daniel Igali who took an inspection earlier commended the level of work put in by the internationally approved facilitators.

    The world and Olympic champion asserted that the training will have a lasting impact on the coaches which will in turn reflect on the athletes.

  • Diri rewards Oborududu, others for Africa Wrestling feats

    Diri rewards Oborududu, others for Africa Wrestling feats

    Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has announced cash rewards to Olympic silver medalist, Blessing Oborududu, and other wrestlers from Bayelsa in the Nigerian contingent that participated in the 2023 Africa Wrestling Championships and the Africa Beach Games in Tunisia.

    Diri, who congratulated the athletes for their impressive performance, said they not only made the state proud but also the country as a whole.

    The governor particularly applauded Oborodudu, the world number two female wrestler and 13-time African champion, for her achievements.

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    Wrestlers who won gold in the senior category in the championships got N1.5m each, silver medalists N1m each and N700,000 each for bronze medalists.

    In the junior category, Diri rewarded gold medalists with N1m each and in the senior category of the Africa Beach Games, gold medalists received N1.5m each.

    The governor also motivated the coach of the state wrestling team, who is also a 14-time African wrestling champion, Victor Kodei, with the sum of N2m while non-medalists got N200,000 each.

    The governor said: “Bayelsa has comparative advantage in certain sports, and wrestling is one of them. We should also be doing well in the area of swimming.

    “Our athletes have again brought glory to Bayelsa and Nigeria and on behalf of the Prosperity Government, l congratulate you as champions in Nigeria and now in Africa.

    “You have all done well. Let me particularly single out Blessing Oborududu, who continues to make us proud. She is world number two female wrestler and we pray that you become number one before you retire.”

    Presenting the contingent to the championships, the President, Nigeria Wrestling Federation and Bayelsa State Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Daniel Igali, attributed their success to the motivation of the governor.

    Oburududu won a gold medal in the championship and the Beach Games, making her the 13-time African champion. She is also the first Nigerian to win a silver medal in wrestling at the Olympics.

    Also, Mercy Genesis won three gold medals in the senior category of the Africa Wrestling Championship, the African Beach Wrestling Championship as well as the Beach Games.

    Opuene Favour, Reuben Ana, Tarilayefa Bekefula also won gold, silver and bronze medals respectively in different categories in the championships.

  • The Past, Present And Future In African Wrestling Women’s Team

    Wrestling in Africa is a centuries-old sport predominantly associated with men. Some communities also featured traditional women wrestling for courtship, ritual initiation into womanhood and measuring physical attractiveness. However, traditional women’s wrestling doesn’t have a lot of fighters due to lack of encouragement from the relevant quarters.

    African Traditional Wrestling

    In traditional African wrestling, many women faced discrimination for various reasons. For starters, women were seen as physically delicate to participate in wrestling.  Moreover, women were seen as home-bound caregivers, while fighting was mostly left for warriors.

    Besides the societal challenges, lack of freedom and gender parity in sports also made wrestling a man’s world (patriarchy). Conservative religious considerations and cultural heritages also hindered women from participating. In some African communities, women were not even allowed to witness elaborate mystical rites surrounding wrestling.

    In Nigeria, Guinea Bissau, Senegal and other African states, festivals such as King Oussouye and Jola involved women wrestling. These festivals welcome female wrestling heavyweights from various regions as it’s the only place women could participate freely without prejudices.

    READ ALSO: 2019 African Wrestling Championships: Nigeria retains women’s title

    Women Wrestling Teams in Africa

    Today, some African communities have standardized women wrestling, encouraging female participation. For some women, official participation in tournaments and matches is still out of the question, but there are some who are defying the odds to make a name in the sport. As such various African wrestling women teams are gaining popularity in the continent.

    Nigeria is one of the top countries in Africa when it comes to women wrestling. In a soccer-crazed country, Nigerian football betting with Betway would seem more appealing than women wrestling. Nonetheless, the country’s wrestling federation is gaining popularity due to the achievements of players such as Odunayo Adekuoroye. Odunayo took gold medals in the 2014 and 2018 women Commonwealth games.

    Senegal is also standardizing women wrestling, with national team coaches using festivals such as King Oussouye to recruit participants. The national women’s wrestling team also attends the festival to see female wrestlers showing their prowess. It’s during this festival that Isabelle Sambou got recruited after showing strength and promise in wrestling.

    Sambou is a five-time national champion and a nine-time gold medalist in the women’s AWC (African Wrestling Championships). In 2015, the World Wrestling union (WWU) also crowned her the African Wrestler of the Decade. However, Sambou has had to make several sacrifices for her passion.

    The Future Of Women Wrestling In Africa

    Female wrestling is a known sport in various African countries, but it’s not very popular like male sports. Nonetheless, various women wrestlers are striving to advance it despite the obvious challenges they continue to encounter in their quest. As such, we can expect to see more women being recognized as strong combatants as betting companies like Betway continue to embrace the sport.

    In Africa, women’s wrestling is amid a continental change in an excellent subculture led by tough and progressive heroines. There are various exciting changes taking place and fans can only expect the sport to be more thrilling and entertaining than today.

     

     

  • Wrestling: Adekuoroye, two others for Germany, Bulgaria tournaments

    Commonwealth gold medalists – Odunayo Adekuoroye, Aminat Adeniyi and Blessing Oborududu will be competing at two United World Wrestling (UWW)-ranking tournaments in Germany and Bulgaria in February as part of their efforts to garner world rating points for Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

    However, Adekuoroye, a regular face at the Indian Super League will not be in action in the lucrative tournament this year as the African champion has decided to compete in a world ranking event compared to the juicy league which has no world rating.

    Also, there are indications that the wrestlers’ participation in the Germany and Bulgaria tournaments may be threatened by paucity of funds as they are appealing for support from government and corporate bodies.

    According to Coach Purity Akuh, the athletes are warming up to compete in the Germany and Bulgaria ranking championships with the sole aim of garnering points for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

    “We have decided to forfeit our participation in the Indian Super League because we realized that India is our major opponent in the world and for us competing in the league, we will surely expose ourselves to them. We believe money is not everything as the athletes are also thinking of making it big at the Olympic Games which is the highest for any athlete in the world. Attending world ranking events will surely rub off on their fortunes globally and that was what affected their rating this year because none of them took part in any ranking event in 2018 aside the continental and world championships. This year we have decided to task ourselves and ensure that they compete in ranking events,” Akuh said.

    The 2017 Coach of the Year at the annual Nigeria Sports Award is also appealing to government and well-meaning individuals to back the athletes in their quest to qualify for the Olympic Games in 2020 as well as make it to the podium in Japan.

  • Countdown to XXI Commonwealth Games: India, Canada are Nigeria’s threats in wrestling, Akuh admits

    Coach Purity Akuh has admitted that India and Canada remain Nigeria’s greatest threats at the XXI Commonwealth Games holding in Gold Coast, Australia.

    Akuh, however, assured that with the training the Nigerian wrestlers are undergoing in Yenogoa, Bayelsa, the team has the wherewithal to do well at the Games.

    He stated that this year’s Commonwealth Games would be exciting and competitive considering the quality of wrestlers favoured to win gold medals. “We believe and hope that we can do better than our last outing because we have quality wrestlers who are also world class in their various cadres.

    “For now, we have been training very hard in Bayelsa and the athletes are all in high spirit. But I must also acknowledge that wrestlers from India and Canada are not pushovers in the girls’ freestyle event because they are also teams to be reckoned with. We won’t be complacent but continue to work hard while hoping that God will reward our efforts,” Akuh added.

    Akuh, who was adjudged the best coach at the 2017 Nigeria Sport Award, acknowledged the technical input of the President of Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Daniel Igali, saying, “Igali has been helping out in camp. As an Olympian, Igali has been encouraging the team by watching training sessions and adding his own inputs,” he stated.

    He added: “All the athletes have been given the mandate to make sure they watch videos of their possible opponents and we can all come together to analyse the videos to see areas where they can build on that will give them an edge over their opponents at the Games.”