The Nigerian wrestling army team has again demonstrated exceptional skill and dominance, securing the top spot in the tournament, winning the overall first position in the maiden edition of 2024 military and Paramilitary wrestling championships in Abuja.
The five-day championship witnessed a colourful opening ceremony with various agencies showcasing an entertaining parade to an already electrified atmosphere and spectators at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja .
The championship tagged ‘National Wrestling Championship ABUJA 2024’, was organised by the Nigeria Wrestling Federation in collaboration with the Chief of Defence Staff and Nigeria Customs Service.
The SpyeTV News reports that the Nigeria Army team showcased their wrestling prowess, outperforming other military and paramilitary agencies to claim the championship title.
They made a strong showing winning nine gold , four sliver and one bronze medals to beat Nigeria Airforce with two gold two silver and five bronze medals.
Nigeria Civil Defence Corps placed third with two gold and three bronze medals while Nigeria police Force with one gold , six silver and four bronze medals placed a close 4th.
Team Customs won one bronze medal to finish 5th while Nigeria Navy with three silver and four bronze medals, made the top six on the medal table.
In March this year, the Nigerian Army emerged winners of the 2024 Armed Forces Games held at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna State, they won 264 medals consisting of 172 gold, 60 silver, and 32 bronze
In July, the COAS Shooters was crowned champions of the 2024 National Division 1 Handball League in the men's category after defeating Osun United 21 to 16 goals in the final of the men's category played at the indoor sports hall of Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
While in September this year, the Nigerian Army Green Beret and Gallantn Queens of the emerged champions of the 2024 Kaduna State Football Association (FA) Cup in the meme's women’s category.
Green Beret defeated Simoiben Football Academy 2-0 in the men’s final, while Gallant Queens humbled Kada Queens 6-0 in the women’s final played at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium (ABS) Kaduna.
These victories were made possible under the able leadership if the acting Director of the Physical Training Army, Brigadier General Abdulrahim Bello.
The Comptroller General of Custom, CG Adewale Adeniyi said the Military and Para-military Wrestling championship was borne out of the federation’s desire to take wrestling to the grassroots.
Also the chairman Local Organizing Committee, Brigadier General Olawale Fawole, expressed gratitude to the Customs boss for hosting the national championship for the military and paramilitary and to Nigeria Wrestling Federation board for the trust placed in the LOC and all other stakeholders who collaborated to ensure that the tournament was a success.
On his part, the Vice President Nigeria Wrestling Federation, who stood in proxy on behalf of the President, extended the Federation’s warmth appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs Adeniyi for sponsoring the National event.
He thanked the Chief of Defence Staff, service Chiefs, and heads of various agencies for availing their athletes to participate in the tournament.
The Military/Paramilitary Wrestling Championship aims to promote unity, fitness, and sportsmanship among Nigeria’s military and paramilitary personnel.
The championship which began on Oct.19, ended on Thursday at the package B indoor hall of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.