As team Nigeria wrestling athletes gear up to take to the mat at the Olympic Games in Paris, the female wrestling Head Coach, Akuh Purity has expressed resolve to surpass previous Olympic record.
Akuh Purity, while speaking with the Media Assistant of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Promise Okotoko hinted that the athletes are looking forward to making Nigerians proud once again.
Recall that Wrestling Federation was the highest achieving Federation at the last Olympics in Tokyo where it recorded silver medal.
According to Akuh Purity, technical and other necessary formats have been put in place to surpass previous Olympic achievements.
He noted the wrestlers have been training tirelessly to ensure Nigeria secure medals yet again at the Games through the sport.
“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”
“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 will love to repeat that feeling again by doing well and having multiple podium finish” Purity said.
Akuh Purity also used the medium to appreciate the Wrestling Federation leadership for the free hand and conducive environment they have given him to work with the girls while lauding the efforts of the Federal Ministry of Sports for the preparation before the Games.
Speaking further, Akuh Purity appealed to Nigerians to throw their weight behind the wrestling athletes through prayers as they set to do the most popular black nation proud.
“I want to thank the Board of the Wrestling Federation for the support and free hand 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”.
“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”. He noted.
Meanwhile, wrestling event scheduled for Nigerian athletes is 5th and 6th August: Tokyo 2020 silver medalist and World number 6, Blessing Oborududu (WW68kg)
7th and 8th August: 2023 African Games Champion and World Number 8, Christianah Ogunsanya (WW53kg).
8th and 9th August: Three times Commonwealth Games Champion and World Number 3, Odunayo Adekuroye (WW57kg).
9th and 10th August: World Number 10, Esther Kolawole (WW62kg) and World Number 15, Ashton Adeyemi Mutuwa (MW125kg)
10th and 11th August: World Military Gold Medallist and World Number 8, Hannah Reuben (WW76kg)
