Igali Confident of Best-Ever Wrestling Classics in Yenagoa
Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sport Development, Daniel Igali, has assured fans that the 4th Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Classics will deliver one of the most memorable editions in recent years.
The championship, which began on Tuesday in Yenagoa and runs until April 1, has drawn participation from 30 states and 10 clubs, with a fully prepared Games Village set up to host athletes and officials.
Igali expressed confidence in the organisation and officiating, noting that about 30 referees have been deployed.
He highlighted the importance of the technical meeting held on the eve of the competition, which updated coaches and athletes on the latest rules and expectations.
‘We are very ready. I think this is about the most ready we can be, and I’m looking forward to a very exciting week of wrestling magic,’ he said.
The tournament, rescheduled from December 2025 following the death of Bayelsa’s Deputy Governor, is being staged by the state government in collaboration with the Nigeria Wrestling Federation.
Organisers have described this edition as the best in the competition’s history, thanks to strong sponsorship and support.
Beyond the spectacle, the Classics will serve as a crucial selection platform for Nigeria’s representatives at the African Wrestling Championships in Alexandria, Egypt, scheduled for late April to early May 2026.
The Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Classics remains one of Nigeria’s longest-running championships, playing a vital role in talent discovery and the development of elite athletes.
