NWF President Lauds COAS Over Support, Sponsorship

Ahead of Nigeria’s contingent arrival at the 2023 International Military Sports in Azerbaijan, President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Dr. Daniel Igali has lauded the support from the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreen Abiodun Lagbaja towards the upgrade of Lieutenant Colonel Timipre Okou as an internationally certified wrestling referee in the Armed Forces.
The Nigeria Wrestling Federation President who was reacting to a letter from the United World Wrestling body also thanked the federal government and the Chief of Defence Staff for sponsoring 10 athletes and 7 officials, including the only certified Armed Forces of Nigeria International Referee, Lt. Col. Timipre Okou, to represent Nigeria at the biggest world military wrestling championships after Olympics in Europe.
Dr. Daniel Igali said Lt. Colonel Timipre Okou’s upgrade has bridged the gap of mentorship in the officiating component of wrestling in the country as well as providing a voice on the international mat.
Sources say Lt. Col. Timipre Okou had served as Assistant Director on Fitness and Physical Training under Lt. Gen. Abiodun Lagbaja while the latter was the General Officer Commanding First Division, Kaduna where he approved and released him for the international level one refereeing course in Alexandria, Egypt last year.
It is revealed that Nigeria has been saved from paying a fine of several dollars at the World Military Wrestling Championships by attending with a certified referee.
Speaking on expectations at the World Military Wrestling Sports in Azerbaijan, Lt. Col. Timipre Okou, who is representing Africa to the International Military Sports Council with over 138 countries, said the Nigerian contingent is in high spirits and thanked the federal government, the Armed Forces leadership and President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation Dr. Daniel Igali for the support.
Earlier in August this year, the Bayelsa-born International Wrestling Referee, Lt. Col. Timipre Okou officiated at the Indian Oceania Island Games in Madagascar which he said also provided him with more experience and expertise.
The World Military Wrestling Championship is billed to hold from November 27 to December 4, 2023 at Azerbaijan where the Nigerian contingent is expected to participate in (10) events.