As Team Nigeria’s wrestling athletes gear up for the mat at the Olympic Games in Paris, the female wrestling head coach, Akuh Purity, has expressed his determination to exceed the team’s previous Olympic achievements.
In a recent interview with Promise Okotoko, Media Assistant of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Purity shared his optimism about the upcoming games.
“We are looking forward to making Nigerians proud once again,” he said, referencing the Federation’s outstanding performance at the Tokyo Olympics, where they won a silver medal.
According to Purity, comprehensive technical and strategic preparations have been implemented to ensure a better outcome this time around.
He highlighted the relentless training regimen the wrestlers have been following to secure more medals for Nigeria.
“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,” Purity stated.
Reflecting on the past success, he added, “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 would love to repeat that feeling again by doing well and having multiple podium finishes.”
Purity expressed his gratitude to the leadership of the Wrestling Federation for the autonomy and supportive environment provided to him and the athletes. He also lauded the Federal Ministry of Sports for their efforts in ensuring the team’s readiness for the games.
He made a heartfelt appeal to Nigerians to support the wrestling athletes through prayers as they aim to bring pride to the nation.
“I want to thank the board of the Wrestling Federation for their 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.”
Purity concluded by saying, “I just want Nigerians to keep praying for the team, keep supporting us, and I can assure them that we will give our 100% performance.”
The wrestling events for the Nigerian athletes are scheduled as follows:
– 5th-6th August: Tokyo 2020 Silver Medalist & World Number 6, Blessing Oborududu (WW68kg)
– 7th-8th August: 2023 African Games Champion & World Number 8, Christianah Ogunsanya (WW53kg)
– 8th-9th August: Three Times Commonwealth Games Champion & World Number 3, Odunayo Adekuroye (WW57kg)
– 9th-10th August: World Number 10, Esther Kolawole (WW62kg) and World Number 15, Ashton Adeyemi Mutuwa (MW125kg)
– 10th-11th August: World Military Gold Medallist & World Number 8, Hannah Reuben (WW76kg)
With a strong lineup of athletes and robust preparation, Team Nigeria is set to make a significant impact at the Paris Olympics.
