Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-04-07 04:10:38
Daniel Igali is a renowned figure in the world of international amateur wrestling. As a retired wrestler who secured a gold medal for Canada at the 2000 Olympic Games in Australia, he has been at the helm of the Nigerian Wrestling Federation (NWF) for the past 11 years. Under his leadership, the sport has seen significant growth, propelling Nigeria to be recognized as one of the top nations in wrestling globally. Despite his upcoming departure from office when his third term ends, Igali remains optimistic about the sport’s future, confident that capable successors will continue the progress he has made.
During a recent visit to Lagos, Igali reflected on his tenure as NWF president, acknowledging the federation’s accomplishments despite limited resources. He expressed pride in qualifying six athletes, including one male and five female wrestlers, for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Notably, Odunayo Adekuoroye secured a spot in the Olympics by winning a bronze medal at the World Championships, representing Nigeria’s only medal at the 2023 world championships. Igali also highlighted the challenges faced by Mercy Genesis, a potential medal contender who narrowly missed qualification due to a controversial ruling. He emphasized the importance of finding a competent successor to lead the NWF after his departure, underscoring the significance of effective leadership in advancing the sport.
While Igali has achieved substantial success during his tenure, he remains committed to addressing unmet targets, such as winning a World Championship and Olympic gold medal. He stressed the heightened competition in wrestling, attributing it to the dissolution of the Soviet Union, which led to increased competitiveness in the sport. Additionally, Igali lamented the inadequate funding for sports development in Nigeria, underscoring the critical role of financial support in nurturing athletes and achieving success on the global stage.
Igali drew attention to the funding disparities between Nigeria and other countries, citing examples of nations with substantial budgets for sports like Cuba, India, and Egypt. He emphasized the need for Nigeria to prioritize sports as a means of engaging youths, creating opportunities, and fostering national pride. Igali advocated for increased funding to support sports development and underscored the potential economic and social benefits of investing in the sector.
Looking ahead to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Igali acknowledged the challenges faced by Nigerian athletes in securing medals, citing Tobi Amusan as a strong contender. He emphasized the importance of strategic planning and sustained financial support to enhance the country’s performance in international competitions. Igali expressed his commitment to remaining involved in wrestling development even after leaving office, pledging to support his successor and contribute to Nigeria’s pursuit of Olympic gold in wrestling.
In conclusion, Igali’s dedication to advancing wrestling in Nigeria is evident in his transformative leadership of the NWF. Despite funding constraints and competitive challenges, he remains steadfast in his commitment to elevating the sport and securing success for Nigerian wrestlers on the world stage. By advocating for increased investment in sports and highlighting the potential benefits for the country, Igali continues to be a driving force in Nigeria’s sporting landscape.
 for the past 11 years.Daniel Igali is one of the best known faces in international amateur wrestling. The retired wrestler, who won a gold medal for Canada at the 2000 Olympic Games in Australia, has been President of the Nigerian Wrestling Federation (NWF) for the past 11 years.){kind=link}