Igali vows thrills at 4th National Wrestling Classics News

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Igali vows thrills at 4th National Wrestling Classics

By Daily Sports Nigeria on March 26, 2026

Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sport Development, Daniel Igali, has promised that the 4th Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Classics, which kicked off on Tuesday in Yenagoa, will rank among the finest editions of the championship in recent memory.

Igali, speaking ahead of the opening of the tournament, which runs until April 1, expressed confidence in the level of organisation and officiating, noting that about 30 referees have been deployed for the event.

“We are very ready. I think this is about the most ready we can be, and I’m looking forward to a very exciting week of wrestling magic,” he said.

The commissioner said a technical meeting was convened on the eve of the competition to bring coaches, athletes and officials up to speed on the latest rules of the sport.

“In a national tournament of this nature, you have the technical session a day before to acquaint coaches and even athletes on how you will officiate — the updated rules and how coaches and athletes are expected to behave. So, the technical session is a critical component of a competition of this magnitude, and I’m quite impressed with the delivery of the referees,” Igali said.

The championship, rescheduled from December 2025 following the death of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, is being hosted by the Bayelsa State Government through the Ministry of Sports Development, in collaboration with the Nigeria Wrestling Federation.

Organisers have described this edition as the best in the competition’s history, with strong support from sponsors and partners. About 30 states and 10 clubs are expected to take part, and a fully prepared Games Village has been set up to accommodate all competing teams.

Beyond the competitive element, the tournament will serve as a selection platform for Nigeria’s representatives to the African Wrestling Championships in Alexandria, Egypt, slated for late April to early May 2026.

The Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Classics remains one of the longest-running national championships in the country, playing a significant role in talent discovery and elite athlete development.

Source Punch Ng

Posted March 26, 2026