Nigeria’s lone Greco Roman Wrestler, Emmanuel Nworie (66kg) lost his two opening bouts at the ongoing African Wrestling Championships holding in Alexandria, Egypt.
The African championship in Egypt which began yesterday is a prerequisite to the Olympic qualifications scheduled for March 30th to April 4th in Algeria.
The 2015 All Africa Games gold medalist who is the only Nigeria Greco Roman wrestler lost to Souleymen Nasr of Tunisia in the Round 1 before losing to Mohamed Ibrahim Elsayed Ibrahim of Egypt in Round 4. He however defeated Ayoub Hanine of Morocco in the Round 5.
Two other Greco Roman Wrestlers, Abraham Onyemelusi and Joe Agbaravanbare were dropped due to the non availability of funds.
In a chat with the Nigeria Greco Roman Coach, Godswill Tiebiri said it was unfortunate the All Africa Games Gold medalist lost in such manner.
He attributed Nworie’s loss to lack of exposure and familiarization tours adding that the camping engaged by the federation before the Africa Championship was sponsored by the President Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Hon. Daniel Igali.
He noted that the last tournament his athlete attended was the All Africa Games held last year.
It will be recalled that Emmanuel Nworie won a bronze medal at the 2015 Africa Championship held in Alexandria, Egypt.
Combats Corner 