The head coach of Nigeria Women Wrestling Team, Purity Akuh has suggested that the 2021 National Sports Festival take place as scheduled.
The National Sports Festival is billed to take place from 14th to 28th February, 2021 at Edo state.
Akuh who is the personal trainer of World no 2 wrestler, Odunayo Adekuoroye told www.aclsports.com that athletes, coaches and officials should provide COVID-19 test on arrival.
He suggested that states who do not observe COVID-19 protocols should be automatically disqualified from the festival.
Akuh said, “I am of the opinion that the 2021 National Sports Festival should take place as planned by the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports as well as Edo state government. If government decides to postpone it again, it will affect the morale of the athletes and might not hold till further notice due to the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic.
“I expect every state attending the National Sports Festival to produce their COVID-19 test on arrival; the various states should perform the test at their various ministries of health and the payment done by their state governments.
“Any state that fails to tender the COVID-19 test certificate of their athletes should be turned back by the Local Organising Committee and the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports. Nose mask and hand sanitizer should also be provided at the venue of each sports”, he added.
Commenting on the Champion of Champions Wrestling tournament in Yenegoa, Akuh expressed happiness retuning to coaching at a national event.
He expressed optimism that the tournament will put Nigeria elite wrestlers in shape ahead of the Africa/Oceanic Olympic Qualifiers in April.
He said, “I am very happy returning to coaching after a long period of time. I must commend the President of Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Hon Daniel Igali for making the Baraza Champion of Champions Wrestling tournament happen.
“I know for sure Nigeria will pick more Olympic slots when the team attends the Africa/Oceanic Olympic Qualifiers in April”.
