Following the embarrassing outing of team Nigeria at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the President Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Dr Daniel Igali, has called on the federal government to take sports development seriously

Igali made the call during a press briefing session with journalists in Asaba on Wednesday.

According to the world and Olympic champion, the fire brigade approach to tournaments has contributed to the underdevelopment of the game across the country, thus hindering the progress.

Igali noted that if nigeria wants to do well in international events, it must re-channel its focus on things that mather, which is the age grade competition.

Stressing that deliberate steps must be made to eliminate age cheating as the aim of the tournament is being defeated.

Igali, who maintained that every tournament comes with its peculiarities, said the youth games are becoming a failed projection because those obligated to screen athletes have turned it to the highest bidder kind of game

“To address this challenge, we must adopt a proactive approach. the government would have to take sports development seriously.”

“That being said I must commended Delta State Government for hosting the Youth Games, but I must express my unpleasantness about the tournament which is age cheating because this is the most important competition we have in the country today.” Igali stated.

Daniel Igali who said the advancement and promotion of grassroots sports should be encouraged at all levels frowned at some states wanting to win at all cost, hence discrediting the efforts of others.

Meanwhile, the NWF president said that the Wrestling Federation will invite top six wrestlers from the ongoing 8th National Youth Games in Asaba to join the national camp in Bayelsa for intensive training and nutrition.

In another development, the President Nigeria Wrestling Federation used the medium to announce that he won’t be contesting for the position of the president when his tenure expires next year.

According to Igali, the constitution of the Wrestling Federation does not permit a 5th time reign, having served 12 years as president of the NWF.

Igali noted that it would be unconstitutional to vouch for another tenure as the Federation will look for a competent hand to man its affairs.

The United World Wrestling member (UWW) also noted that even when he leaves office, he will still get involved with the activity of the Wrestling Federation, contributing to its growth and development

The Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, has expressed satisfaction with the level of performance of the state athletes in the ongoing National Youths Games, stating that, the state will continue to take leadership position in sports development.

Speaking on the performances of the athletes, at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State, Fatodu reiterated the commitment of the state in sports development, reassuring that government will continuously provide an enable environment for the newly discovered athletes to thrive and further expose them to competitions in their various sporting activities.

Fatodu disclosed that the athletes’ impressive performances at the Games have been really, really exceptional from swimming, deaf athletics, boxing to hockey and wherever they are competing, they have raised the bar of the state in sporting excellence.

“So, what we can actually do is to continue to move forward, motivate the young people. There’s an aspect of psychology that is very, very important in boosting their confidence and ensuring that they stay on course.

“Those are some of the things that we have observed in terms of energy, in terms of zeal, commitment and capacity. They are truly fit for the purpose”.

The Director General further said the team need to look at the side of motivation in terms of speaking to them during the game, in terms of positive disposition when the game is going.

“I believe that going forward, if we continue to move in that direction, Lagos has always been a place of sporting excellence. We will continue to take the leadership position, whereby a lot of states in Nigeria, will emulate what Lagos state is doing”

Medical & Scientific Commission, in Collaboration with IOC Medical & Scientific Commission, will offer Basic Life Support (BLS) and Heart Savers Training, to Enhance Emergency Response Skills in Lagos, Nigeria.

Already 60 participants have been identified to be in the training, and they would be split into groups of 15 each.

The event is scheduled from October 7 to October 10, 2024, in Lagos at the Emergency Care Consultants (EHCON).

The Commission and its NOC Medical & Scientific Commission affiliate are dedicated to promoting health, safety, and medical education in sports.

Through this initiative, the Commission would ensure that sports professionals and stakeholders would be equipped with the necessary skills to respond effectively in emergencies.

Both Commissions will collaborate to deliver comprehensive Basic Life Support (BLS) and Heart Savers training to healthcare professionals, medical personnel, and coaches from the National Sports Federations, and State Sports Councils/Commission.

”This collaboration underscores the NOC’s commitment to improving emergency preparedness and response within the sports community and beyond.

”It also aims to enhance the emergency response capabilities of the 60 targeted participants, divided into four sessions with 15 participants each.”

The statement adds that the hands-on training will focus on essential life-saving techniques, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and managing airway obstructions.

”These are critical skills for addressing medical emergencies such as cardiac arrest, choking, and other life-threatening situations.

“Our goal is to empower participants with the confidence and knowledge to provide life-saving care in emergencies, Dr Musa Oshodi, Chairman of NOC Medical & Scientific Commission.

“This training is crucial for professionals who are often the first to respond in emergencies, particularly in high-performance sports and public settings.”

The training will be led by Emergency Care Consultants (EHCON), whose certified instructors bring extensive experience in emergency medical care.

Upon completion, participants will receive an official BLS certification, recognized nationwide and essential for healthcare workers, lifeguards, and individuals in other emergency-related fields.

The event will take at Time: 8,00a.m a.m. in each of the days.

Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel, President of NOC will officially open the training sessions.