Fifty-five athletes from 11 international locations will compete for prime honors within the ECOWAS African Traditional Wrestling Tournament in Abuja, with every nation fielding 5 wrestlers and 4 technical officers.
The Federal Government additionally recommended the ECOWAS because it formally declared open the thirteenth version of the match, held in celebration of the regional physique’s fiftieth anniversary.
Speaking on the opening ceremony on the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, emphasised the match’s significance.
He highlighted that it marks ECOWAS’ golden jubilee which aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to make use of sports activities as a instrument for peace, unity, and financial growth throughout the area.
Dikko mentioned: “We are particularly honored that this prestigious event is taking place under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose vision has continued to drive unity, economic growth, and the advancement of sports as a means of fostering regional cohesion. This tournament is a testament to our collective commitment to promoting cultural ties and strengthening the bonds that unite us.”
He emphasised that African cultural heritage serves as a unifying drive, with conventional wrestling being an important a part of that legacy.
He mentioned: “Traditional wrestling is more than just a sport; it is a cherished cultural heritage passed down through generations. It embodies the spirit of resilience, strength, and discipline that defines our great continent.”
Dikko recommended ECOWAS and the Traditional Sports Federation of Nigeria for his or her dedication to organizing the match, affirming that the National Sports Commission stays dedicated to leveraging sports activities for youth empowerment, regional integration, and financial development consistent with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He harassed the necessity to develop a sturdy sports activities economic system that harnesses the financial potential of the business. Encouraging younger athletes to grab the chance, he urged them to showcase their skills, create wealth, and construct relationships that can encourage future generations.
In his remarks, the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olapade, reiterated Tinubu’s dedication to sports activities as a unifying drive for ECOWAS.
He mentioned: “Mr. President is devoted to the unity and solidarity of the ECOWAS sub-region and strongly believes that sports serve as a major unifier to strengthen and enhance that bond.”
Olapade urged the visiting athletes and officers to expertise Nigerian hospitality, assuring them of a memorable match.
He added, “We are committed to hosting a world-class event where every competitor will have a fair chance to excel and leave with lasting memories of their time in Nigeria.”
Also talking, the Director of the Economic Youth and Sports Development Center (EYSDC), Ambassador Francis Chuks Njoaguani, described African wrestling as a robust instrument for fostering intercultural exchanges, decreasing social tensions, combating violent extremism, and selling sustainable growth.
He mentioned: “The main goal of the match is to interrupt down cultural limitations that hinder collective progress and to work collectively in constructing a powerful, united, and inclusive area.
“The tournament is expected to bring together wrestlers from across the ECOWAS region, fostering not just competition but also unity and cultural appreciation.”