Bayelsa wins 3rd Gov.Diri National wrestling championship

By Amgbare Prince, Yenagoa

Bayelsa State proved that they are undisputed champions in wrestling in Nigeria as they emerged overall champions in the third edition of just-concluded Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Championship which ended on Saturday in Yenagoa.

In the third edition, the Bayelsa Team was exceptionally rugged. It was a happy moment for residents of the state who trooped out en masse to cheer their team.

Wrestlers competed in Greco Roman, men and women freestyle at the one week event, which took place at the indoor sports hall of the Samson Siasia sports complex in Yenegoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

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Speaking at the event, Governor Diri reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to supporting sports, particularly wrestling, in the state, adding that the government was committed to the development of the youths through sports.

“I am fully committed to supporting wrestling and other sports in Bayelsa State,” Governor Diri declared, highlighting the positive impact of sports on youth development and social harmony.

While congratulating the participants in the wrestling competition, the Governor said, sports have played significant role in reducing social vices in Bayelsa, said sports in the last five years has given Bayelsa State a global recognition, saying that the government was committed to the development of sports.

“Sports have been instrumental in reducing social vices among our youths. We will continue to invest in sports to help build a better future for our young people,” Diri stated.

Diri called for synergy among the state governors to prioritize sports as a veritable tool for youth empowerment and national unity, pointing out that sports remains one of the cardinal objectives of his administration.

“Money invested in sports is not a waste,” Diri emphasized. “Other State Governors should take note. Sports is a powerful tool to reduce social vices and keep the youth busy, promoting unity and peace across the nation.”

Earlier in his remarks, President of the National Wrestling Federation and Bayelsa State commissioner of sports development Champion. Daniel Igali lauded the governor Douye Diri for his immense investment in the sport, describing his efforts as crucial for the development of wrestling and other athletic disciplines in the country.

“We are deeply grateful for the support Governor Diri has shown for wrestling. His leadership is inspiring and sets a benchmark for other states to follow,” Igali said.

In separate Goodwill messages Comptroller General Nigeria Customs, Adewale Adeniyi and Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Musa Christopher, represented by Commander Joint Task Force JTF South South zone, Rear Admiral John Okeke, hailed the governor for investing in the youths.

In a moment of recognition, the governor awarded Commonwealth Games silver medalist Wilson Ebikewenimo with a sum of one million naira for his exceptional sportsmanship after defeating his opponent in the final.

Ebikewenimo’s display of skill and fair play was a highlight of the event, and the governor praised him for embodying the true spirit of sports after the bout.

The high point of the tournament was the presentation of awards to the various sponsors and those who have contributed to the progress of sports in the country.

Some of the results at the closing stages of the championship are as follows:

50KG women wrestling

Name– Mercy Genesis,
Team– Bayelsa State
Pos— 1st

Name – Happiness Elliot,
Team— Dynamite,
Pos— 2nd

Name – Peace Paul
Team— Edo State
Pos– 3rd

72 KG women wrestling

Name – Ebi Biogis
Team— Bayelsa
Pos— 1st

Name – Racheal Felix,
Team— Ondo State
Pos— 2nd

74KG FREESTYLE

Name – Ebi Andrew Oborodudu
Team— Dynamite
Pos— 1st

Name— Kpun Ayabasisei
Team– Delta State
Pos— 2nd

Name—Amos Assizecourt
Team– Rivers State
Pos—3rd

86 KG FREESTYLE

Name–Jackson Oluwafemi
Team– Rivers State
Pos– 1st

Name—Ekerekeme Agimor
Team— Delta State
Pos— 2nd

Name—Harrison Onovoommioghogho Team—Bayelsa State
Pos— 3rd

62KG Women wrestling

Name – Kolawole Esther
Team—- Ondo State
Pos— 1st

Name – Patience kakanda
Team— Bayelsa State
Pos— 2nd

Name—- Umama Malik
Team—– Purity
Pos——– 3rd

87KG Greco Roman

Name—- Nathaniel Samuel
Team—— Bayelsa State
Pos———1st

Name – Boma Josinbi
Team—- Cashin
Pos——– 2nd

57KG Freestyle

Name – Wilson Ebikemowie
Team——-Bayelsa State
Pos——— 1st

Name – Permanent Epelumo
Team—–Rivers State
Pos—– 2nd

Name— Kurmuyifa Titi
Team—-Dynamite
Pos——– 3rs

65KG Freestyle

Name – Stephen Simon
Team— Bayelsa State
Pos—– 1st

Name— Eygpt Appah
Team— Edo State
Pos— 2nd

Name—- Fred Godfrey
Team——Delta State
Pos—– 3rd

OVERALL WINNERS–WOMEN WRESTLING

NAME— BAYELSA
TEAM—– 290 POINTS
POS—— 1ST

NAME—- DYNAMITE
TEAM—— 180 POINTS
POS——- 2ND

NAME——ONDO STATE
TEAM—— 160 POINTS
POS—— 3RD

OVERALL WINNERS–FREE STYLE

NAME— BAYELSA
TEAM—– 160 POINTS
POS—— 1ST

NAME—- RIVERS
TEAM—— 70 POINTS
POS——- 2ND

NAME——EDO STATE
TEAM—— 55 POINTS
POS—— 3RD

OVERALL WINNERS– GRECO ROMAN

NAME— BAYELSA
TEAM—– 240 POINTS
POS—— 1ST

NAME—- BAYELSA
TEAM—— 135 POINTS
POS——- 2ND

NAME——EDO STATE
TEAM—— 115 POINTS
POS—— 3RD