Team Nigeria’s female wrestling coach, Purity Akuh, has reassured the public that there is no need to worry about the team’s medal prospects at the ongoing 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Despite the fact that two out of the five Nigerian female wrestlers are no longer in contention for medals, Akuh remains optimistic about the team’s performance and future prospects.
The Nigerian wrestling team has faced some challenges during the Games. Christianah Ogunsanya, one of the female wrestlers, was eliminated from the women’s freestyle 53 kilograms event. She lost her round of 16 bout with a score of 1-3 to Khulan Batkhuyag from Mongolia. This defeat marked Ogunsanya as the second Nigerian wrestler to exit the competition without a medal.
Blessing Oborududu, another key wrestler, had earlier competed in the women’s freestyle event but was unsuccessful in securing a medal. Although she reached the semi-finals, Oborududu did not advance past the bronze medal match. Her performance was a setback, as she was initially seen as a strong contender for a medal.
Despite these setbacks, Coach Akuh has emphasized that the situation is not as dire as it may seem. Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) from Paris, Akuh assured that the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) had thoroughly prepared the team for the Games. “There is no cause for alarm. So far, we are on course. There is nothing to worry about. We did all we needed to do in terms of preparations before the Games,” Akuh stated. His comments reflect a belief that the team’s preparation and efforts should not be judged solely on the current outcomes.
Akuh acknowledged that the journey through the Olympics often includes unexpected results and challenges. “We will soon be having cause to smile. What we are seeing now is normal in sports, whereby what you prepared for may not be what you will see,” he explained. He highlighted that despite the rigorous preparations, sports can be unpredictable, and outcomes may not always align with expectations.
The coach further elaborated on the nature of competition and the inevitability of facing hurdles. “While we tried as much as possible to take care of all ends, but we cannot say it was going to be a smooth sail all the way,” Akuh said. He recognized that changes and adjustments are part of the process and that the team is actively working to address any issues that have arisen to prevent further losses.
Looking ahead, Akuh remains confident about the prospects for the remaining members of the wrestling team. He assured that the team’s handlers are committed to working diligently to ensure that the wrestlers who are still in the competition have a strong chance of winning medals. “Some things will definitely change, and we are now taking care of that to forestall more losses,” he said, expressing hope for improved performances in future bouts.
The coach also pointed out that there is a positive outlook for the upcoming matches. “Starting from Thursday morning, when Chaimaa Alg Aouissi will face Odunayo Adekuoroye in the women’s freestyle 57kg event at the Champ-de-Mars Arena in Paris, we are going to see something better,” Akuh noted. This upcoming match is expected to be a critical moment for the team, and Akuh is optimistic that it will result in a more favorable outcome.
Coach Akuh’s statements reflect a balanced view of the challenges and opportunities facing the Nigerian female wrestlers at the 2024 Olympics. While acknowledging the current setbacks, he emphasizes that such difficulties are part of the sport and assures that the team is taking the necessary steps to overcome them. With continued effort and determination, Akuh is confident that the Nigerian wrestling team will achieve success and bring home medals as the Games progress. “We are determined, and ready, and we shall succeed,” he affirmed, expressing his unwavering belief in the team’s potential.
