World Cup: NFF bows to pressure from Sand Eagles

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike  has asked the Nigeria Wrestling Federation to bid for the hosting rights  of the 2018 African Senior Wrestling Championships in Port Harcourt, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

The governor also directed the state’s Ministry of Sports to liaise with NWF to host the National Senior Wrestling Championships this year.

The President of NWF, Daniel Igali, who made the disclosure on Wednesday, said the NWF would meet with the Federal Ministry of Sports to submit a bid for the hosting rights of the 2018 Africa Senior Wrestling Championships.

Igali said, “A committee will be set up soon to ensure that all areas to be touched regarding hosting the African championships are looked into.

“If we do not have all the required facilities in Port Harcourt, we will get them ready in one year.

“The biggest facility we need is the wrestling gymnasium and we have a good space in Port Harcourt for that.

“We may need a Sauna and accommodation facilities within the competition venue. I will personally inspect that soon.”

He added that hosting the African championships will be of great advantage to Nigeria.

The Sydney 2000 Olympic Games gold medallist said, “Hosting the championships will no doubt bring added advantage to Nigeria in addition to the good public image it will create.

“It will give us an opportunity to get new facilities or upgrade our facilities. It will enable us get closer to modern trends.

“The competition will also keep us in good stead with the international federations as partners rather than users.

“There are so many benefits in hosting a competition of such magnitude.”