By Francis Ajuonuma with agency reports
As Nigerian wrestlers take to the mat today at the Olympic Games in Paris, head coach of the female team, Akuh Purity confident the current team looks good to surpass previous Olympic record.
Purity, who spoke with the Media Assistant of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Promise Okotoko said that the athletes are looking forward to making Nigerians proud once again.
Recall that the NWF was the highest achieving Federation at the last Olympics in Tokyo where it recorded silver medal.
He noted the wrestlers have trained tirelessly to ensure Nigeria secure medals yet again at the games through the sport.
“We are aware of a lot of expectations from wrestling particularly after Oborodudu gave Nigeria a silver medal at the last Olympics, but we are not under any pressure and the federation has been very supportive to that effect”
“It was a thing of joy to be part of that success at the last Olympics, it is something I will never forget and yes! I will love to repeat that feeling again by doing well and having multiple podium finish” Purity said.
Speaking further, Purity appealed to Nigerians to throw their weight behind the Wrestling athletes through prayers as they set to do the most popular black nation proud.
“I want to thank the board of the Wrestling Federation for the support and freehand to work which has made it a lot easier to get thus far and also the Federal Ministry for their efforts to see we get the needed preparations”.
“I just want Nigerians to keep praying for the team, keep supporting us and I can assure them that we will give our 100 per cent performance”. He noted.
Tokyo 2020 silver medalist and World number 6, Blessing Oborududu will open Nigeria’s chase for medal in the Women’s 68kg wrestling today.
7th-8th August: 2023 African Games champion & world number 8, Christianah Ogunsanya (53kg).
8th-9th August: Three-time Commonwealth Games Champion & world number 3, Odunayo Adekuroye (57kg).
9th-10th August: World number 10, Esther Kolawole (62kg) and world number 15, Ashton Adeyemi Mutuwa (125kg)
10th-11th August: World Military gold medallist & world number 8, Hannah Reuben (76kg)
