February 05, (THEWILL) – Japan 2020 Olympic silver medalist, Blessing Oborodudu, has booked a slot in the 2024 African Games in Accra, Ghana.
Blessing wasted no time dispatching her 68kg opponent, Tokere Appah of Bayelsa State, in a pinfall-dominant fashion at the national trials in Yenagoa to secure qualification.
Ebi Biogos of Bayelsa and Hannah Reuben of the Nigerian Army also came out victorious in the 72kg and 76kg respectively.
In the male freestyle, Soso Tamarau of Delta State and Ashton Mutuwa of Plateau State caused an upset in the 97kg and 125kg.
New American-based sensation, Ashton Mutuwa, upset national champion, Progress Benson of Rivers State, to secure the African Games qualification and Olympic Qualifiers.
Similarly, Harrison Israel of Bayelsa dented the hopes of Jackson Oluwafemi of Ondo State, who is a national champion in the 86kg.
Earlier in the 65kg, Stephen Simon of Bayelsa defeated former national champion, Amas Daniel of Bayelsa while Braveman Pere in the 74kg secured qualification to the Games in Accra, Ghana.
In the 57kg Enozumini Simon of Edo State joined the winning parade by cementing his slot at the African Games.
An elated President of the Wrestling Federation, Dr. Daniel Igali, who spoke to Journalists at the end of the National trials in Yenagoa, applauded the efforts of all the wrestlers for their doggedness and zeal to win.
Daniel Igali, who showered praises on the technical staff and officials for hosting a successful event, said despite what he saw, there is still much room for improvement.
He singled out the adequate preparation for the nation’s athletes going for the African Games.
Igali expressed the Wrestling Federation’s deep appreciation to the government of Bayelsa State for the warm reception and hosting of the national trials.
“I want to thank the Bayelsa State Government for the support to host these trials for the African Games and Olympic Qualifiers. Having said that, I think it was a well-contested tournament.
“There were a couple of young athletes I saw here that got me very excited. Every weight class was well-contested, which gave me a lot of joy.
“However, our performance would be determined by how we prepare because I don’t think our athletes are prepared well enough to start thinking of gold so we need to start camping immediately,” Igali stated.
Meanwhile, the African Games is scheduled in the capital city of Accra, Ghana from 8th to 24th March 2024 while the first Olympic Qualifiers for the year runs from 12th to 20th March 2024 in Alexander, Egypt.
About the Author
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
