The Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) says it is beginning preparations for the 2018 Commonwealth Games with a training tour in Finland for two of its female wrestlers.
The NWF President, Daniel Igali, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos that the wrestlers, Aminat Adeniyi and Mercy Genesis would train for 10 days in Finland from Feb. 27.
The 2018 Commonwealth Games, officially known as the XXI Commonwealth Games, and commonly called Gold Coast 2018, is an international multi-sport event for members of the Commonwealth.
It will be held on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia between April 4 and April 15.
He disclosed that the training which would end on March 8 at the Kuortane Olympic Training Centre was a form of scholarship and was part of the preparations for next year’s Games.
“They are not the only two wrestlers there, some other wrestlers from Commonwealth countries are also there. There are wrestlers from South Africa and Austaria to mention a few.
“They will have access to the best training facilities, best coaches and exposed to the best methods involved in wrestling,’’ he said.
The Sydney 2000 Olympic gold medalist said that the training would broaden their skills and improve their confidence which would prepare them better for competitions.
“The training is good and I laud it because at the end they will be better wrestlers. It’s a different form of training from the usual with their coaches.
“This training is of international standard and that’s what the wrestlers need so as to get familiar with international rules and techniques,’’ he said.
Igali, who is a member of the Bayelsa House of Assembly, said that plans were underway for them to attend more of such trainings before the Games.
“We want them to prepare for the Games with the best facilities for positive results.
“There is still a possibility for them to attend another training that will last for six months in Finland before the Games.
“This training will be in partnership with the United World Wrestling Board,’’ he said. (NAN)