Akuh satisfied with wrestling match in Spain

The Nigerian women’s wrestling team head coach Purity Akuh expressed her satisfaction with the performance of the Nigerian wrestlers at the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, Spain.

The contingent is now in Germany for their final camping trip before the Olympic Games in Paris, France.

The wrestlers, who participated in the pre-Olympic tournament, won two bronze medals. Esther Kolawole (62 kg) and Ogunsanya Christinah (53 kg) both took bronze for Team Nigeria in the semi-final.

Ogunsanya defeated her American counterpart Brianne Gonzales in a convincing 10-0 victory, while Kolawole defeated Sweden’s Johanna Lindborg 8-0.

Three-time Commonwealth champion Odunayo Adekuoroye was knocked out on technical grounds, losing in the quarter-finals to Norway’s Othile Hole.

African champion Hannah Reuben also lost her first fight.

Commenting on the team’s performance, Akuh stressed the importance of the tournament as preparation for the Olympic Games in Paris.

“It was a good outing for our girls because it gave us a chance to look at areas where we needed to improve,” Purity said.

“It also gave the wrestlers the opportunity to wrestle competitively, although not like it would be in Paris, but it was great and we know we need to improve in certain areas.”

Before the team left for Germany, Nigerian Wrestling Federation president Daniel Igali urged the team to use the experiences from Madrid to their technical advantage.

Led by NWF Secretary General Mohammed Maigidansanma, the team will refine its strategies and skills in preparation for the Olympic Games.