…36 States, 20 Corporate, Military, and Paramilitary Wrestling Clubs Expected to Participate
The Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) has announced that the 13th National and 3rd Governor Douye Diri Wrestling Classics will take place in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, from November 3rd to 10th, 2024. This prestigious event will feature over 1,000 wrestlers and officials from 36 states and 20 corporate, military, and paramilitary wrestling clubs across the nation.
In a statement signed by Dr. Daniel Baraladei Igali, President of the NWF, the tournament will serve as a platform to discover and nurture exceptional wrestling talent, both for national and international competitions. The event, themed “Preparing Champions for the Future,” will be held at the Samson Siasia Multipurpose Hall, showcasing Nigeria’s top wrestlers in various categories, including Freestyle and Greco-Roman for both male and female competitors.
This edition of the Governor Douye Diri Wrestling Classics is set to attract not only local participants but also international athletes, coaches, referees, and officials. Dr. Igali, an Olympic gold medalist and the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports Development, emphasized that the Wrestling Classics is a significant national event, designed to promote, identify, and prepare wrestlers for global competitions like the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships.
The inaugural edition in 2022 saw Bayelsa State emerge as champions, while the 2023 edition expanded to include international guests and served as a qualifier for the Pre-Olympic World Championship in Serbia, featuring over 500 wrestlers from 30 states and 10 clubs.
Distinguished members of the NWF Board expected at the event include Alhaji Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller General of Customs; philanthropist and billionaire Chief Emeka Offor; NWF Vice President Mr. Christopher Yaba Amkpila; 2nd Vice President Dr. Mrs. Toyibat Odunola Bello; Gen. Fawole Olawale; Dr. Jude Amado Adebola; Sarah Esan; and Engr. Magnus Ede. Also in attendance will be wrestling legends like Olympic silver medalist Blessing Oborududu, Happiness Burutu, and Abdullahi Ibrahim.
The Douye Diri Wrestling Classics has solidified its position as a premier event in Nigeria’s sports calendar, fostering talent development, promoting national unity, and enhancing the country’s international competitiveness in wrestling.
