Dr. Daniel Igali, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports Development, has urged the National Sports Commission and the Main Organising Committee of the upcoming National Sports Festival in Ogun State to include traditional wrestling, known as “Kuwa,” and canoeing among the featured events.
The appeal came as he welcomed Bayelsa athletes who recently competed for Nigeria at the 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament in Abuja. The tournament, held at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, was part of celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS. Igali praised the athletes for their stellar performance, highlighting gold medal wins by Ebi Biogos (76kg) and Ebipadei Mughabofa (66kg), alongside two silver medals in team events, which bolstered Nigeria’s reputation on the regional stage.
Speaking during the reception, Igali emphasized the cultural significance of traditional wrestling, describing it as a sport deeply rooted in Nigeria’s heritage and deserving of a place at the National Sports Festival, often regarded as the country’s equivalent of the Olympic Games. He expressed surprise at its exclusion, especially given Nigeria’s recent hosting of the ECOWAS wrestling event.
Igali also drew attention to canoeing, a sport he believes holds untapped potential for Nigeria on the global stage. Despite Nigerian canoeists qualifying for the past two Olympic Games, the sport has been omitted from the festival lineup. “Canoeing could win Nigeria medals at the next Olympics if we invest early and harness its potential,” Igali asserted, calling on administrators Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade of the National Sports Commission to reconsider its inclusion.
Addressing the athletes, Igali said, “On behalf of the Bayelsa State Government, I proudly receive you for your remarkable achievements. Your success reflects our commitment to sports development in Bayelsa.” He credited the state’s progress in sports to the support of Governor Douye Diri, whose administration has prioritized funding for such programs.
Sir Braveman Wodi, Director of Sports at the Bayelsa State Sports Council and overseer of the wrestling team, echoed Igali’s sentiments. He commended the athletes for being exemplary ambassadors of both Bayelsa and the Ijaw Nation, noting that their victories underscore the effectiveness of the state’s developmental policies under Governor Diri and Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
Igali concluded by urging national sports authorities to recognize the value of traditional wrestling and canoeing, not only as competitive disciplines but as bridges to Nigeria’s cultural identity and Olympic aspirations.