The Nigerian military wrestlers who clinched gold and silver medals at the 36th World Military Wrestling Championship in Baku, Azerbaijan, received a hero’s welcome at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Sunday. The wrestlers, welcomed by officials of the Defence Headquarters, expressed their commitment to continuing their stellar performances and making the nation proud.
The Director of Sports at the Defence Headquarters, AVM Abidemi Marquis, credited the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, for providing the platform that allowed the athletes to showcase the prowess of Nigeria’s military on the global stage. He emphasized that the athletes were driven by a profound awareness of representing their country, a motivation reinforced by the prospect of hearing Nigeria’s national anthem and witnessing the national flag ascend if they secured victory.
Marquis underscored the strategic importance of sports in enhancing a country’s visibility and acknowledged the comprehensive support provided by the Chief of Defence Staff. Looking ahead, he emphasized the need to build on their recent success, especially with Nigeria hosting the African Military Games next year.
Cpl. Hannah Reuben, the gold medalist in the women’s freestyle 68 kg category, spoke passionately about her mindset, preparation, and hard work that propelled her to victory. Having competed at various levels, Reuben expressed her determination to achieve further success in the upcoming military games hosted by Nigeria. “I will keep doing better, and I will do better next time, by God’s grace,” she affirmed.
Lance Cpl. Esther Ojolaide, who secured the silver medal, attributed her outstanding performance to the support and encouragement from the Chief of Defence Staff. Reflecting the sentiment, “To whom much is given, much is expected,” Ojolaide pledged to excel in the next competition hosted by Nigeria.
Coach Warrant Officer Godswill Tiebiri hailed the unprecedented success, noting that the gold medal broke a 50-year record in the history of wrestling in the Nigerian military at the world level. “We got a silver; we have gotten bronze in the world, but we haven’t gotten the gold medal. So myself as the coach and my Cpl. Hannah have broken the record of 50 years,” he proudly stated.
