Nigeria’s senior male grapplers have received psychological tips and mental training to boost their morale and confidence heading into this year’s World Wrestling Championship scheduled for October 24th to November 1st in Astana, Kazakhstan.
Sports247 gathered that the tips were provided by an executive board member of Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Dr Okou, who urged the grapplers to put equal importance into mental skills training as much as they do to physical conditioning.
Okou, who is also a sports and exercise psychologist, spoke at length during an unscheduled visit to the national camp in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where he disclosed that control, commitment, challenge and confidence are the four pillars of mental toughness.
While addressing the wrestlers and coaches during his visit, Okou, who is also an international referee, stressed that mental awareness is a key factor required alongside team cohesion and behavioural regulation in handling stress for athletes to perform under pressure.
He added: “On the mat, everyone is physically strong at this level. What separates gold from bronze is who can handle the stress of the last minute. Control means staying composed when trailing on points or facing a hostile crowd.
“Commitment means sticking to a game plan despite fatigue, while challenge means treating tough opponents and high-stakes bouts as opportunities, then confidence means trusting one’s preparation, especially in the closing stages of a bout.”
