Team Nigeria’s wrestling team have a lineup of thrilling international events ahead of them, designed to help the team build its global ranking and reputation.
Nigeria will be participating in a grand prix event in Dormagen, Germany, and in the Dan Kolov-Nikola Petrov ranking series tournament in Bulgaria.
According to the nation’s wrestling governing body, three female wrestlers alongside a coach will be attending the tournaments.
The Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), is invested in helping Nigerian wrestlers improve their ratings ahead of major world events.
All three wrestlers are Commonwealth champions in their respective weight classes:
Odunayo Adekuoroye, who will be contesting in the 57kg class, is a two-time common wealth gold medalist (2014 Glasgow Women’s Freestyle 53kg, 2018 GoldCoast Freestyle 57kg).
Aminat Adeniyi (62kg), is also a two time Gold medalist at the commonwealth games (2014 Glasgow Women’s Freestyle 58 kg, 2018 GoldCoast Women’s Freestyle 62kg).
Blessing Oborududu (68kg), is an eight-time African champion and a commonwealth games gold medalist (2018 GoldCoast Women’s Freestyle 68kg).
All three well-versed powerhouses are led by female coach, Purity Akuh.
The Germany Grand Prix is a three-day event that will begin on February 22, 2019. After Germany, the team will move to Ruse, Bulgaria, for the Dan Kolov-Nikola Petrov ranking series tournament, which is expected to kickoff on February 28, and run through March 3.
“It is very important for us to be at the ranking series because last year we were not ranked at all. And this year, the President [Daniel Igali] has decided that we have to go to all the ranking tournaments so that we can be ranked.
“Our participation means most of our top athletes can be ranked. The competitions will help boost their ranking.”
— Purity Akuh (coach)
Featured image source: National Helm