The head coach of Nigeria men freestyle wrestling team, Victor Kodei revealed that his dream is to produce champions for the country.
Nigeria won 3 silver and 1 bronze medal in the men’s freestyle event at the 13th African Games in Ghana as well as 1 silver and 2 bronze medals at the 2024 African Senior Wrestling Championships in Egypt.
The 15x African champion told www.aclsports.com that work has begun to produce freestyle athletes that can dominate African and compete against European wrestlers.
Kodei said the young wrestlers have succeeded in making huge statements by winning laurels at various National Championships and securing their place in the national team.
He said, “My dream is to produce champions for Nigeria in the men’s wrestling category. Some decades ago, Nigeria used to dominate the freestyle and Greco-Roman categories but we are struggling behind them. Through the support of Hon Daniel Igali, President of Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), we are putting up programmes that will ensure the wrestlers remain in top shape.
“When you look back at the history books, Nigeria used to be a big threat to the North African because we were dominating the freestyle and Greco-Roman categories. I am convinced that in the next six years, we will return to our rightful position in Africa”.
“I am not surprised at the rate the younger wrestlers are taking over the scene at the national level; they have shown hunger for glory. In the last three National Championships held in Bayelsa state, these wrestlers have shown that their wins are not fluke at all. I believe the future is very bright and the world should be on the lookout”, he told www.aclsports.com
The 5x Commonwealth Games Champion hailed the men’s wrestling team for their exploits at the African Games, African Championships and the Olympic Qualifiers.
Nigeria freestyle wrestlers; Stephen Izolo, Simeon Enozunomi and Ashton Mutuwa won silver medals while Harrison Onovwiomogbohwo won a bronze medal at the 13th African Games in Ghana.
Meanwhile, Ashton Mutuwa clinched a silver medal while Harrison Onovwiomobohwo and Stephen Izolo won bronze medals at the 2024 African Championship.
