Enugu State’s wrestling coach, Clement Ejim, says he and his wrestlers are confident of winning medals at the 2022 Gov. Douye Diri National Open Wrestling Championship.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the championship is holding at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenegoa from Wednesday to Tuesday.
Ejim told NAN on Thursday he has prepared 15 wrestlers to compete in 15 categories of competition at the championship.
“All the wrestlers are good. They have assured me of excellent performance and I am sure we will return to Enugu with medals,” he said.
The coach said the championship was being organised by the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) in collaboration with the government of Bayelsa.
“This championship is timely and useful as it will give young wrestlers the platform to showcase their talents.
“It will also create avenue where such talents can be nurtured for both local and international competitions,” he said.
Speaking also, Godwin Chinye who is the Enugu state team captain said they were going to Bayelsa to win medals and not to make up the numbers.
Chinye who will be competing in the 63kg of the Gerco-Roman category solicits for more support for the sport from the government and corporate bodies.
“I also appeal to philanthropists to support sports in Enugu state, because this will enable athletes to compete favourably in major competitions,” he said.
A female wrestler, Chekwubechi Nwachukwu, explained that athletes need financial motivation, food supplements and equipment, because they are essential ingridents for optimal performance.
“Our equipment are getting old and needed to be replaced,” she said.
Nwachukwu however assured that she would fully apply her experience over time in the sport to play a key role in winning medals for the state. (NAN)
