National wrestling coach Akuh Purity has revealed that he and his athletes are intensifying preparations in a bid to secure qualification for the next Olympic Games through the international ranking series.
Akuh explained that the coaching crew is focused on ensuring that Nigerian wrestlers gain valuable ranking points ahead of the Olympic qualification process, which is expected to begin next year.
“We are working very hard with the athletes so that we can have wrestlers who will compete and advance in the ranking series,” Akuh said.
According to the coach, the ranking competitions play a crucial role in determining which athletes will eventually qualify for the Olympic Games.
“These ranking series are very important because they help athletes improve their positions and stand a better chance of qualifying,” he explained.
Akuh admitted that missing the first two ranking tournaments this year was a setback for the team’s preparations.
“Unfortunately, we were unable to participate in the first and second ranking series,” he noted.
However, the coach expressed optimism that the team could still recover lost ground by competing in upcoming continental competitions.
“We are hopeful that we can attend the continental championship in Egypt,” he added.
Akuh believes that participating in the African championship will give Nigerian wrestlers the opportunity to earn ranking points and remain in contention for Olympic qualification.
“If we compete in the continental championship, we can still have ranked athletes who can qualify for the Olympics,” he said.
Nigeria has a proud tradition in wrestling, with several athletes achieving success at major international competitions including the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and African championships.
Akuh stressed that the coaching crew remains committed to maintaining that tradition by preparing athletes capable of competing with the best in the world.
“Our goal is to ensure that Nigerian wrestlers are ready to compete at the highest level,” he concluded.
