Atula pledges to revive wrestling in Nigeria
President of Veteran Wrestlers Association of Nigeria, Chief Morris Atula, has assured Nigerians that the association will spearhead efforts to make the country one of the best wrestling nations in the world.
Atula, who had long declared his readiness to be the next President of the Nigerian Wresting Federation, said veteran wrestlers have resolved to work with top officials of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and other stakeholders towards ensuring that quality young Nigerian wrestlers are discovered in the next dispensation.
The Edo State-born Atula, who recently relocated to Nigeria after over three decades in Europe, said Veteran Wrestlers Association Of Nigeria have started moves to organise zonal wrestling championships in the six geopolitical zones.
“We have been in talks with the government of Enugu and Plateau states to support Veteran Wrestlers Association of Nigeria. It would be so when we fully conclude our strategies,” he said.
Atula, a former Nigeria, Commonwealth and World Wrestling champion, commended effort of Nigerian wrestlers at the just ended African Wrestling Championship in Morocco.
According to him, Nigeria’s dominance should go beyond Africa. “Veteran Wrestlers Association of Nigeria appreciates the efforts of outgoing Nigeria Wrestling Federation board led by Daniel Igali. Now veterans who are key stakeholders and technocrats want Nigeria to truly rule the world as it were in our time. Better days are here.
“The present leadership of the National Sports Commission featuring technocrats like Malam Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olapade have challenged veterans to support effort to discover and nurture world beaters. After the South-East Zonal wrestling championship in Enugu and the one in Jos, we shall organise more in other geopolitical zones. We shall also be ensuring better training and welfare packages for wrestlers and coaches. Veterans would seek and get corporate support towards providing facilities, training and exposing wrestlers nationally and internationally,” he said, confidently.
