Nigeria’s most decorated wrestler, Odunayo Adekuoroye, has been elected into the United World Wrestling (UWW) Athletes Commission. An election was held at the just-concluded World Wrestling championships in France. Adekuoroye was among the seven people elected to represent the interest of athletes in the UWW.
President, Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Daniel Igali said that the silver medal won by Adekuoroye at the world championships contributed to her election into the commission.
“She was the first Nigerian to win a silver medal at the world championships, thereby surpassed fellow Nigerian, Ifeoma Ihenacho who won bronze medals in 2009 and 2010, respectively,’’ he said. Igali, a Sydney 2000 Olympic Gold medallist for Canada, said Adekuoroye is currently one of the most accomplished female wrestlers on the world stage.
“The election took place at the last world championships. The NWF had no reservations in forwarding her as a candidate for the athletes commission position and we were not disappointed. This shows the steady progress we are making as a federation in all facets of sports development. We hope Adekuoroye will make valuable contributions to the athletes’ commission and in uplifting the welfare of athletes on the world stage,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, Adekuoroye, the Commonwealth gold medallist, has commended the leadership of the NWF for nominating her to serve on the world body.
“Honestly, I am very delighted that the NWF nominated me and with the recognition by UWW, it is a great privilege for me to serve, I am excited because my president and my coach have always believed in my capabilities to excel. They are a veritable source of encouragement to me,’’ she added.
