Nigeria can host African wrestling – Igali

President of Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali has said Nigeria is ready to host Africa while describing the visit of the President of United World Wrestling-Africa Fouad Meskout as a major turning point for the game in Nigeria, reports Extrasportsnigeria.com.

Nigeria is bidding to host the 2018 Africa Wrestling Championship in the country’s South-South city of Port Harcourt. Meskout made a 3-day working visit to inspect facilities for the tournament, a visit Igali says it provided a huge chance in showcasing the development of the sport in the country.

Igali told the African wrestling boss that Nigeria had produced passionate and world class wrestlers who are eager to promote the sport by competing with the best at home.

Igali said, “Since 1976 till date, Nigeria has not hosted the African Championship. It is about time for Nigeria; we have the capacity, material wealth and full support of the Rivers State Government. We are confident we will not lack anything.”

Igali has also praised on the contributions of Governor of Rivers, Nyesom Wike for “displaying amazing support in the bid process” and believes hosting the tournament in Port Harcourt provides useful opportunity to showcase the sport to prospective sponsors.

“Governor Nyesom Wike has been awesome. He made things look so easy when he confirmed his interest to host the championship and if we have more persons like him, Wresting in Nigeria will grow to admirable heights. I have told the president of African Wrestling that after we host next year’s edition, in 2019, they will ask Nigeria to host again because it will be the best in the history of the competition.”

The African wrestling boss was said to be impressed with the facilities he saw in Port Harcourt. Meskout who then held a meeting with the Minister of Youth and Sport, Solomon Dalung and officials of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, said he was convinced the country’s determination to promote the sport by hosting the continental championship.

Nigeria and Tunisia are chasing the hosting rights for the tournament that is scheduled to take place in February next year.

The winner of the bid will be announced on August 18 in Switzerland.