By Emma Njoku
President of Veteran Wrestlers Association of Nigeria, Chief Morris Atula, has unveiled the association’s blueprint towards ensuring that Nigerian wrestlers rank among the best in the world.
Atula, who is aspiring to be the next president of the Nigerian Wresting Federation, said veteran wrestlers have resolved to work with top officials of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and other stakeholders towards discovering quality young Nigerian wrestlers in the next dispensation. The Edo State Wrestling Association chairman, who recently relocated to Nigeria after over three decades in Europe, said the Veteran Wrestlers Association of Nigeria have began moves to organise zonal wrestling championships in the six geo-political zones of the country.
“We have been in talks with the Enugu and Plateau State governments to support veterans’ resolve to boost Nigerian wrestling. It would be so when we fully conclude our strategies”, began Atula who commended efforts of Nigerian wrestlers at the just ended African Wrestling Championship in Morocco.
The former Commonwealth and World wrestling champion said Nigeria’s dominance should go beyond Africa. “The Veteran Wrestlers Association of Nigeria quite appreciates effort of the outgoing Nigeria Wrestling Federation board led by Hon. Daniel Igali. Now, veterans, who are key stakeholders and technocrats, want Nigeria to truly rule the world. as it were, in our time. Better days are here.
“The present leadership of the National Sports Commission, featuring technocrats like Malam Shehu Dikko as Chairman, and Hon. Bukola Olapade as Director General, have challenged veterans to support efforts to discover and nurture world beaters. After the South-East Zonal wrestling Championship in Enugu, and the one in Jos, we shall organise more in other geopolitical zones. We shall also ensure better training and welfare packages for wrestlers and coaches. Veterans would seek and get corporate support towards providing facilities, training and exposing wrestlers nationally and internationally”, he said confidently.
Atula concluded that several veterans would closely monitor the 22nd National Sports festival tagged “Gateway 2024”, which starts next weekend, towards identifying talents and confirming other areas that would speedily develop Nigerian wrestling.
He called on hosts of the games to use the opportunity to improve sporting facilities while all states should endeavour to boost the welfare of athletes and coaches regularly.