Wrestlers begins fight for Athens ticket

The Nigeria wrestling Federation (NWF) is leaving no stone unturned towards a good outing ahead of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games qualifiers billed for Sofia, Bulgaria later this month.

According to J.O.J Ochi, NWF secretary, the federation is not resting on its oars after the All Africa games and everything is in place at the Yenegoa-Bayelsa state camp of the wrestlers.

“The camp is okay, everything is alright and the atmosphere is just perfect for the athletes to perform” he told www.nigeriasports.com

Ochi however explains that out of the 28-wrestlers in camp, only fourteen will make the trip to Sofia.

“The issue of who will make the trip is clear as those who are doing very well know themselves and basically the yardstick for selecting this people are that those people that got gold at the All Africa games” he explained

Speaking further, he stressed that the performance of the wrestlers is often measured by the outcome of their fights.

“As we all know that wrestling is a continual process so we tend to keep them in shape ahead of the qualifiers” he added

The tireless working Ochi also elaborate on the travelling plans of the team.

“The team is expected to depart Nigeria on January 20 for Bulgaria and stay there for a while before leaving for Slovakia where there is a competition there. They will then return back to Sofia for the qualifiers proper”

With love from Canada

Meanwhile, World, Olympic and Commonwealth wrestling champion, Daniel Igali has promised to continue his endless support for the NWF despite his tight schedule.

The Nigerian born- Canadian wrestler confided in www.nigeriasports.com that the spirit of the All Africa games will see Nigeria excel at the world stage.

“I believe in the wrestlers I saw in Abuja and I can confidently tell you that they will emerge world beaters before you know it” the Bayelsa state born Igali

“No one wants to be a part of some not too inspiring efforts, that is why I am taking time off to contribute my own quota to the development of the game back home” he concluded.