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By Amos Odhe, Yenagoa
Japan 2020 Olympic silver medalist, Blessing Oborodudu, has secured a slot in next month’s African Games in Accra, Ghana.
Our correspondent said Blessing wasted no time dispatching her 68kg opponent Tokere Appah of Bayelsa in a pinfall dominant fashion.
Ebi Biogos of Bayelsa and Hannah Reuben of the Nigerian Army also came out victorious in the 72kg and 76kg respectively.
In the male freestyle, Soso Tamarau of Delta and Ashton Mutuwa of Plateau caused an upset in the 97kg and 125kg.
The new American based sensation Ashton Mutuwa upset national champion Progress Benson of Rivers to secure the African Games qualification and Olympic Qualifiers.
Similarly, Harrison Israel of Bayelsa dented the hopes of Jackson Oluwafemi of Ondo who is a national champion in the 86kg.
Earlier, in the 65kg Stephen Simon of Bayelsa defeated former national champion Amas Daniel of Bayelsa while Braveman Pere in the 74kg secured qualification to the Games in Accra, Ghana.
In the 57kg Enozumini Simon of Edo joined the winning parade by cementing his slot at the African Games.
An elated president of the Wrestling Federation, Dr. Daniel Igali who spoke to journalists at the end of the National trials in Yenagoa, applauded the efforts of all the wrestlers for their doggedness and zeal to win.
Igali who showered praises on the technical team and officials for hosting a successful event said that despite what he saw, there is still much room for improvement.
He singled out once again adequate preparation as reason for the nation’s athletes going to the African Games.
Igali further expressed the Wrestling Federation’s deep appreciation to the government of Bayelsa State for the “warm reception and hosting of the National Trials.
“I want to thank the Bayelsa State Government for the support to host this trials for the African Games and Olympic Qualifiers. Having said that, I think it was a well contested tournament
“There were a couple of young athletes I saw here that got me very excited. Every weight class was well contested for that gives me a lot of joy
“However, our performance would be determined by how we prepare because I don’t think our athletes are prepared well enough to start thinking of gold. So we need to start camping immediately.” Igali stated.
Meanwhile, the African Games is scheduled for the capital city of Accra, Ghana from 8th to 24th March 2024 while the first Olympic Qualifiers for the year runs from 12th to 20th March in Alexander, Egypt.