The Nigeria Arm Wrestling Federation is basking in the glory of an outstanding debut at the All African Games, securing an impressive haul of four gold medals, two silver, and seven bronze.
In an exclusive interview, the federation’s president shared his thoughts on the remarkable achievement and outlined plans for future success, Sports247 reports.
Expressing his elation, the president commended the Nigerian arm wrestling team for their stellar performance, particularly in the face of unforeseen challenges.
“I’m elated and very happy that the Nigeria arm wrestling team did a fantastic job under a lot of circumstances that we did not even expect,” he remarked, acknowledging the team’s resilience and determination.
The president extended gratitude to the Ministry of Sports and Development for their support and for providing Nigeria with the opportunity to participate in the prestigious event. “I want to use that to say thank you to the honorable minister and the Ministry of Sports and Development for giving us Nigeria an opportunity to be part of Team Nigeria at the African Games in Ghana,” he expressed, highlighting the importance of governmental support in fostering sporting success.
Looking ahead, the president addressed concerns about the aging roster of weightlifters and outlined the federation’s plans for talent development. With upcoming tournaments on the horizon, including the African Championship and qualifiers for future African Games, the federation is focused on nurturing new talent and ensuring a seamless transition. “We have our plan, we have our developmental plan to support the existing athletes and to make sure the ones who are aging out, we have a replacement for them,” he affirmed, emphasizing the need for a strategic approach to sustain and surpass current achievements.
As for his personal agenda, the president emphasized the importance of celebration and planning for the future. “The next thing is, let’s just enjoy tonight with the team… We’ll change a lot of areas that we need to improve on here in Ghana, which we’re going to develop when we get back to Nigeria,” he explained, outlining plans for athlete refreshment, coaching seminars, and modernization initiatives.
In summary, the Nigeria Arm Wrestling Federation’s historic performance at the All African Games serves as a testament to their dedication and ambition. With a clear vision for the future and a commitment to excellence, the federation is poised to continue making waves on the international stage.
