Veteran Wrestlers Applaud Dikko, Back Atula As Next NWF President

Nigerian veteran wrestlers have thrown their weight behind the new chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko.

Speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Veteran Wrestlers Association during a courtesy visit to the new NSC boss in his office at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, recently, the Financial Secretary of the association, Philip Momoh, said they wholeheartedly welcome President Bola Tinubu’s choice of Dikko as chairman of the NSC. Momoh said Dikko would boost Nigerian sports considering his wealth of experience and pedigree.

He said: “The Nigeria Veteran Wrestlers Association is extremely grateful to

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for giving us a trusted and tested personality like you (Shehu Dikko). You are a technocrat who would succeed in raising the standard of sports in Nigeria.

“We are set to give you maximum support. As past top wrestlers, we know how to achieve needed results. While congratulating you, the Nigeria Veteran Wrestlers Association wants Nigerian wrestling to be the number one in Africa, and among the best in the world as in the past.

“Sir, we strongly believe that former Nigeria, Commonwealth and world wrestling champion, Morris

Atula, known as the ‘Golden Warrior’, is the most qualified candidate to emerge as the next president of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation. Morris Atula is a true technocrat and a team player who would mobilise reputable past and present top wrestlers to revive Nigerian wrestling. Atula surely knows what it takes to be a world beater. He is a technocrat to the core”.

The veteran wrestlers also told Dikko that there was a need for rotational wrestling championship, instead of concentrating developmental programmes and championships on just one area of the country. They added that such rotational strategy would guarantee the discovery of talented wrestlers.

Dikko said he appreciated the visit and suggestions of the veterans and promised to consider their recommendations.