The Nigerian Military wrestlers, adorned with gold and silver medals from the recently concluded 36th World Military Wrestling Championship in Baku, Azerbaijan, arrived back in Nigeria on Sunday with a commitment to continue bringing honor to the nation.
The returning athletes, welcomed at the International Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja at around 10 p.m., expressed their gratitude for the platform provided by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, to showcase the prowess of Nigeria’s military on the global stage.
Speaking to the press upon arrival, AVM Abidemi Marquis, the Director of Sports at Defence Headquarters (DHQ), acknowledged the motivation behind the athletes’ stellar performance. He highlighted the athletes’ awareness of representing their country, with the anticipation that the national anthem would play and the Nigerian flag would be raised if they secured medals.
Marquis emphasized the strategic importance of sports in enhancing a country’s visibility, praising Gen. Christopher Musa for ensuring all necessary resources were provided for the wrestlers to compete among the best. He noted that the success in Azerbaijan was a stepping stone for Nigeria, particularly with the upcoming hosting of the African Military Games next year.
The gold medalist, Corporal Hannah Reuben, a female wrestler who triumphed in the 68-weight category of women’s freestyle, attributed her success to mindset, preparation, and hard work. Reuben, expressing her determination to continue excelling, promised to aim for more gold medals in the upcoming military games hosted by Nigeria.
The achievements of the military wrestlers not only secured medals but also elevated Nigeria’s presence on the international stage, garnering attention from those who may not have been familiar with the nation before. The athletes are eager to build on their success and contribute to Nigeria’s sports legacy.
