The Bayelsa State Government, through its Ministry of Sports Development, warmly welcomed athletes who secured medals for Team Nigeria at the recently concluded African Senior Wrestling Championship in Casablanca, Morocco.
The reception, held on Tuesday, honored the athletes for their outstanding performance, bringing pride to both Bayelsa and Nigeria.
Team Nigeria clinched 13 medals at the championship, including 10 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze. Bayelsa-born athletes shone brightly, with Hannah Reuben, Mercy Genesis, Ebipatei Mughenofa, Ebi Biogos, and Stephen Izolo each claiming gold. Ebikeme Newlife earned a silver medal, while Ebierelayefa Andrew secured a bronze.
Representing Governor Douye Diri, the Commissioner for Sports Development, Honourable Daniel Igali, hosted the athletes at his office, commending their achievements. Igali announced cash rewards of ₦200,000 for each gold medalist, ₦100,000 for silver and bronze medalists, and ₦100,000 for the coaches, including Akuh Purity and the Cuban coach supporting the team.
“I applaud our athletes for their remarkable performance in Morocco, supported by our dedicated coaches,” Igali said. “As a ministry, we are rewarding your excellence to encourage continued success.”
Igali also expressed gratitude to the National Sports Commission, led by Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade, for their support, as well as the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi MFR, for his consistent contributions to the Nigeria Wrestling Federation.
Sir Braveman Wodi, Director of the Bayelsa State Sports Council, praised the athletes’ victories as a reflection of the state’s significant investment in sports under Governor Douye Diri and Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
Speaking on behalf of Team Nigeria, captain Hannah Reuben thanked the Bayelsa State Government, the National Sports Commission, the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, and CG Adeniyi for their unwavering support.
A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the women’s trophy to Honourable Igali by the contingent.
The reception was attended by notable figures, including the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Grace Alagoa, and Assistant Director of Human Resource Management, Micheal Alakere, among other senior ministry officials.