By our Reporter
Ahead of the last chance to book a place in the 2024 Paris Olympics, Nigeria’s Mercy Genesis, (50kg), African and Commonwealth Games champion, has departed for Istanbul with hopes to earn a spot for the games.
Mercy Genesis, who narrowly missed out on qualification at the last African/Oceania Olympic Wrestling qualifiers in Alexandria, Egypt would be hoping to become the latest Nigerian athlete to secure Olympic qualification in Istanbul, Turkey where the World Olympic qualifiers will take place.
The multiple African champion, who was accompanied by coach Akuh Purity, will take to the mat on Friday against high profile wrestlers in the world that missed out in their regional windows.
Recall the qualifier in Istanbul will offer 54 Olympic quotas in all the six weight classes of the three styles.
Every weight category offers three Paris Olympic spots — one each to the two finalists and one to the winner of the wrestle off between the two bronze medalists.
Upon her departure, the president of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Hon. Daniel Igali in remarks expressed optimism of securing another Olympic ticket to make it 7 Olympic slots for the Wrestling contingent to the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The Bayelsa State Commissioner of Sports Development wished Mercy Genesis best of luck as everyone in the Wrestling Federation has high hopes of a successful Olympic qualifiers and an Olympic berth.
