Igali lauds Sam Egwu wrestling tourney

  Igali, who competes for Canada, told reporters in Abakaliki that he was impressed with the new talents discovered in the championships.

  ``Last year, two of our national champions were dethroned at the tournament by new comers and I was happy because new talents are emerging,'' said Igali, who hails from Bayelsa.

  The Canadian wrestling champion, however, called for continuity if Nigeria must regain her lost glory in sports in general and wrestling in particular. ``Nigeria was at the World Championships last in 1993 and at the African championships last four years ago, this is not good for progress and continuity,'' he added.

  He urged that Nigeria should strive to constantly participate in international competitions. Igali will on Saturday officially declare open his sports
academy, Maureen Matheny Academy, in his home town, Eniwari in Bayelsa. Igali said he set up the academy in appreciation of what he has benefited from his country, adding it was named in honour of adopted Canadian mother and to immortalise her.

  He said the institution would take off with 60 students
made up of 30 in JSS 1 and 30 in preparatory class to
secondary school.

Reports Tony. N