•As Enugu hosts S’East Zonal Championship
By Emma Njoku
The Veteran Wrestlers Association of Nigeria, in collaboration with the National Sports Commission (NSC), has concluded plans to organise a three-day maiden edition of Junior Male and Female Freestyle and Greco-Roman Wrestling Championship, in honour of the Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah.
Former Nigeria, Commonwealth and World wrestling champion, and President of the Veteran Wrestlers Association of Nigeria, Morris Atula, who made the disclosure, said the wrestling carnival is in honour of the governor for his constant support of grassroots sport development in Enugu State and the South East generally.
Atula, who is the Chairman, Edo State Wrestling Association, said the South East Junior Wrestling event would hold between July 2 and 4, 2025, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.“Our association has been impressed with the governor’s unique administrative style, particularly on youth sports development. This talent hunt programme is aimed at celebrating His Excellency and creating the opportunity for young talents from Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Ebonyi, and Abia states to be discovered and nurtured to stardom. It’s about giving honour to whom honour is due and discovering future champions in wrestling.
“Veteran Wrestlers Association of Nigeria is also happy over the success recorded by Nigerian wrestlers at the just concluded African Wrestling Championship in Morocco, and we must commend efforts of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, led by Hon. Daniel Igali. However, we have observed that there is so much concentration on Bayelsa and nearby states.
“The Junior Zonal Championship coming up in July is a rare opportunity for young and talented wrestlers in the South East to be discovered for future national and international meets. The Veteran Wrestlers Association of Nigeria is fully convinced that talents abound across the country and not in one area. It’s our resolve to organise such grassroots development tournaments in the six geopolitical zones of our beloved country”, said Atula, who the Veteran Wrestlers Association of Nigeria is backing to be the next president of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation.