The penultimate day of the 2nd Governor Diri National Wrestling Classics recorded tears of joy, and mouth-watering actions, from kick out to pinfall, to title retaining and title-clinching as wrestlers fought to push themselves in the way for the 2024 Olympics in Paris
It was a day to remember for Bayelsa-born wrestlers Ogidi Peredigha and Dick Enenibodi of Edo State on day four of the ongoing 2nd Gov Diri wrestling classics as the duo coast home with victories in their respective weight classics.
Ogidi Peredigha continued his dominance in the 55kg Greco-Roman to win gold as Ogun State Samuel Adoh clinched silver, and Cletus Osafele of Godfrey Club came third with bronze.
Dick Enenibodi of Edo State in the 60kg Greco-Roman retained his national title to win gold beating Terry Godfrey of Bayelsa State 4 to 3 points in a keenly contested bout at the indoor hall of Samson Siasia Stadium, Destiny ThankGod of Eagle Club claimed bronze.
In the women’s 62kg freestyle event Rivers State Esther Kolawole proved too strong for her competitors to win gold, Bayelsa Deyei Temene went home with silver just as Juliet Amakuro of Sports Institution Club settled for bronze.
Ebi Biogos of Bayelsa outperformed Rhoda Shonde of the Nigeria Army to clinch gold Nigeria Army Rhoda Shonde got silver, and Nkechi Dimejesi of the Nigerian Police Force settled for less.
Commonwealth silver medalist Hannah Reuben of the Nigeria Army won gold in 76kg women’s freestyle, she defeated Kemesuode Dressman of Bayelsa State 4 to 0 points to emerge champion, Ondo State, Kemi Ojo got bronze while Kemasuode Dressman of Bayelsa State won silver.
Delta State Saviour Egoli caused the biggest upset in the championship by beating defending champion Richard Seitonkumo 11-7 in the men’s 61kg Freestyle event, Franklin Ketekete of the Federal Road Safety Corps FRSC won silver, Edo State Allison Amauomo finished third with bronze.
The 2nd Gov Diri National Wrestling Classics championship will come to a climax on Thursday as the battle for world championship qualification gets tougher.
Olympic silver medalist and Commonwealth champion Blessing Oborududu, Commonwealth champions Odunayo Adekuroye, and Amas Daniel are all expected to be on mats.
Victorious Ogidi Peredigha in an interview, said he was happy with his triumph having previously won the weight classic, stating that his tactics were the reason behind his success.
Despite settling for silver, Franklin Ketekete of the FRSC believes that there are positives for him in the championship that he has performed beyond his expectations.
He added that his target at the moment is to win gold in the next National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.