Despite fighting his way into Nigeria’s national wrestling team and being the only male wrestler to have booked his place at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Ashton Mutuwa is not satisfied, adding that he still has a lot to do to medal in France.
The America-based announced himself when he defied odds to claim silver at the 13th African Games and he went further to clinch his ticket to Paris in the men’s 125kg freestyle at the African and Oceania Qualifiers in Alexandria, Egypt.
The African Games debutant decided to pitch his tent with Nigeria despite spending most of his wrestling career in the United States, while acknowledging the huge support from his team-mates.
Specifically, Mutuwa thanked Nigerians for the huge support while promising to continue to make the country proud. “I just wanted to give a shout out to Nigerians for the support I’ve received so far,” Mutuwa said in a statement by the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF).
“My appreciation to Daniel Igali and the NWF board for allowing me to come and wrestle and represent Nigeria, Daniel Igali helped in coaching and mentoring me to reach this level”.
“Also to my coach Victor Kodei and my team-mates Harrison, Stephen, Simeon and Braveman I could not have done this without your support”.
“I’m excited I get to be in Paris to represent my country, although the work is not done I hope to bring a medal at the games but i think we’ve accomplished something so far,” he added.