MINISTER THRILLED BY WRESTLER'S QUALIFICATION FOR LONDON OLYMPICS

By NBF News

The Supervising Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi has expressed delight with the qualification of another Nigerian wrestler for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The Nigerian Wrestling Team is currently participating in the Olympics qualifier, involving teams from Africa and Oceania in Marrkech, Morrocco. Nigeria had already qualified for the 96 Kg slot through its participation in the World Championship, which took place last year.

Nigerian Adibo Dick, 84 KG, came second in the freestyle male event yesterday and this has guaranteed him a place in the Olympics proper.

Mallam Abdullahi said he was not surprised by the qualification of Dick, adding that he was sure Nigeria will win more tickets for the  Games.

'It is a good one,' Abdullahi said. ' But considering the excellent performance of the team in the African qualifiers, I am sure we will  win more tickets.'

He urged the team to do more and assured them that the whole country is behind them.

At the African Wrestling Championship, which was held from March 12 to March 14 in Marrakech, Morocco, the Nigerian Team won three gold medals, three silver medals and one bronze medal.

Nine Nigerian athletes consequently qualified to participate in the on-going African/Oceania Qualification Tournament.  Six Nigerians are still in the race for tickets in the tournament that will end on March 18.