Daniel Igali, renowned for transforming Nigerian wrestling, has called on the government to make sincere and deliberate investments in sports development. Speaking to journalists in Asaba on September 18, 2024, Igali announced he would not seek re-election as President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation.
The world and Olympic champion criticized the “fire brigade” approach to tournaments, which he believes hinders sports progress in Nigeria.
He emphasized the need to focus on age-grade competitions and eliminate age cheating, particularly in the National Youth Games.
“To address this challenge, we must adopt a proactive approach. the government would have to take sports development seriously. That being said I must commend Delta State Government for hosting the Youth Games, but I must express my unpleasantness about the tournament which is age cheating because this is the most important competition we have in the country today,” Igali stated.
Igali commended the Delta State Government for hosting the Youth Games but expressed concerns about age cheating, which undermines the competition’s integrity. He stressed the importance of promoting grassroots sports and warned against states prioritizing victory over fair play.
The NWF president revealed plans to invite the top six wrestlers from the ongoing 8th National Youth Games in Asaba to the national camp in Bayelsa for intensive training and nutrition.
Igali also confirmed he would not contest for a fifth term as NWF president, citing constitutional limits. Despite stepping down, he pledged to remain involved in the Wrestling Federation’s activities, contributing to its growth and development.