Kogi State wrestling head coach, Ologunja Ojo John has sent a message of gratitude to the president of the Nigerian Wrestling Federation (NWF), Hon. Daniel Igali for ensuring that fair officiating prevailed at the just concluded 8th National Youth Games in Asaba.
Coach Ologunja John, who also praised his wards for their fighting spirit all through the competition in the Delta State capital, reasoned that Igali’s presence instilled fair play into the officiating.
While also appealing for a reliable philanthropist to kindly step forward to sponsor his grapplers, Coach John pointed out that officiating was top-notch at Asaba 2024, compared to what he faced last year at the same venue.
He, however, also recounted in an interview with Sports247 how one of his wrestlers was almost denied a medal this year, but it was eventually given after he lodged a determined protest.
Coach John expatiated, “By the grace of God, this year’s wrestling outing is a favourable one. Last year, I was here, and the same thing that happened then almost repeated itself this time, but God took control.
“One of my children should have won bronze last year, but he was robbed, and they said I should forget about it. So, I forgot about it.
“This year, I followed it up bumper to bumper, which was why the result came straight.
“My boy won two fights, beating Taraba and Ogun States. They were tough fights but, with encouragement and the boy’s willpower, he was able to succeed.
“By God’s grace, we are going home with a medal, unlike last year, when we didn’t win anything.”
The smooth-talking grapplers’ gaffer continued by recounting close shaves that almost spoilt his plans to return to Lokoja with a medal, as two of his wards had been disqualified from their contests earlier.
“I brought four wrestlers but two were disqualified because of one issue or the other. Sadly, it was actually due to our lack of kits.
“We had to look for an area or the other to hire kits, but that led to the disqualification of the two athletes. So, it was only two that fought.
“The first one won our only medal, while the other one, Adedapo Peculiar tried her best, but lost at the repechage, meaning the third gross,” Coach John disclosed.
On the whole, he conceded that officiating was almost flawless at Asaba 2024 but stressed that it was mostly due to the physical presence of Igali at the venue of the wrestling bouts at Saint Patrick’s College.
“By the grace of God, this year, there was no doubt about the quality of officiating. The officiating was fair because the president of the wrestling federation was present live.
“If there was any breach or any problem along the line, in the course of the refereeing, he would call their attention and correct issues.
“Infringement problems, mistakes, any call that was supposed to have been made, or red flag to give disadvantage, the president of Nigerian wrestling body corrected everything to ensure a clean and smooth competition,” Coach John eulogised.
He then concluded with a look into the future and, while stressing that wrestling talents abound in Kogi State and Nigeria at large, the highly resourceful tactician pointed out that lack of money is the biggest obstacle hindering the grapplers’ sport.
“The future prospect now depends on continuity, determination, willpower and encouragement,” Coach John affirmed.
“One of the most important things, they say, sports is a unifying factor that brings people together; but I will say money, ego, finance is a unifying motivator that can make sports grow.
“By the grace of God, our next focus is to attend more competitions. I pray that we will be able to get somebody that will sponsor us.
“Like a chairman, who will say he will back us financially, because of the tenacity and ability of these children, because of their determination and the willpower to achieve.
“If we can get somebody to sponsor these children, Kogi State wrestling will reach the limit.”
Coach Ologunja John added that he is now looking into the future with great expectations, as he and his athletes head back home to the Confluence State to put into use the immense experience that has been gained from their participation at this year’s NYG.
