The inaugural Comptroller General of Customs Military and Para-military Wrestling Championship has officially begun in Abuja, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s wrestling scene.
The first day of the championship was dedicated to a clinic and sensitization program aimed at preparing athletes for the tournament.
The clinic, organized by the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and officials from the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), focused on ensuring all participants understood the rules and regulations of the competition.
Brigadier General Olawale Fawole, Chairman of the LOC and board member of the NWF, expressed his enthusiasm for the tournament’s smooth start, emphasizing its importance in uniting wrestlers across military and paramilitary agencies.
“We are very satisfied with the turnup because at a stage during the preparation it seemed as though we were not getting the necessary responses from some of the agencies, but after the press briefing and visit to the Chief of Defense Staff, there was a prompt response and we are happy.”
Fawole also commended the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service for his unwavering commitment to the event, describing him as the driving force behind the championship. “He didn’t just sponsor it, he always shows dedication, passion, and interest at every stage and we appreciate him.”
Representing the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Vice President Chris Amkpila encouraged athletes to seize the opportunity to showcase their talent. He urged participants to use both this tournament and the upcoming Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Classics in Yenagoa as platforms to break into the national team.
“The Federation is eager to see new athletes break into the ranks and represent the country in international competitions like the Olympics,” he added.
Prominent figures at the clinic included Olympic silver medalist Blessing Oborodudu, NWF Technical Director Darmian Ohaike, and high-profile military officials, underlining the event’s importance for Nigerian wrestling.
