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The 2024 Olympics is done and it was with a significant disappointment for Team Nigeria with sending its largest contingent ever – 88 athletes – the country failed to secure a single medal.
The Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) has formally apologized for the disappointing performance of its wrestlers at the Paris Olympics.
President, Daniel Igali expressed regret over the outcome, acknowledging that the federation had entered the Olympics with high expectations, given Nigeria’s history of success on the global wrestling stage.
Wrestling was among the sports where Nigeria had pinned its hopes for a medal, given the country’s rich history and previous successes on the global stage.
Speaking at a welcome-back ceremony held for the Nigerian wrestling team, Igali said, “We apologize to Nigerians for not reaching the climax that we set for ourselves.
“In the past, there was no Federation in Nigeria’s history that has won six world championships. It is only the Wrestling Federation.”
He stressed that receptions are not just about celebrating victories but also about showing appreciation for the athletes’ efforts and also to inspire upcoming athletes that the country and the federation will always appreciate their endeavour regardless of the outcome.
“Let me repeat that it is not only when we win that we should have this kind of reception. We find it necessary to show our athletes and officials that we are indeed a federation and a country that appreciates what they’ve done,” Igali said.
Nigeria’s Wrestling Contingent in Paris
Nigeria was represented by six wrestlers at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with five females and a male.
Nonoka Ozaki of Team Japan celebrates victory against Blessing Oborududu of Team Nigeria during the Wrestling Women’s Freestyle 68kg Bronze Medal at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Champs-de-Mars Arena. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
