The 4th Governor Douye Diri Wrestling Classic got off to a historic start with the introduction of beach wrestling in Nigeria, marking a significant milestone for the sport’s development in the country.
The one-day beach wrestling event, held on sand at the Bayelsa Medical University in Yenagoa, attracted hundreds of young wrestlers who competed in a vibrant and highly competitive atmosphere. The event, which ran into the evening, drew excitement from spectators both at the venue and through online livestreams.
Organised under the leadership of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), the competition featured athletes across the U-15 to U-17 categories, with participation from coaches, referees, and officials from various states, as well as military and paramilitary institutions.
Speaking on the sidelines, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports Development, Daniel Igali (OLY), commended Governor Douye Diri and the NWF for creating a platform that promotes youth development through sports.
He noted that the initiative would help discover and nurture young talents for future national and international competitions.
Igali highlighted the growing global relevance of beach wrestling, pointing out that the sport has already featured in the Youth Olympics and is being considered for inclusion in future Olympic Games.
“This presents an opportunity for Nigeria to invest in a developing global sport and prepare athletes for international competition,” he said.
Ahead of the tournament, a technical session was held to familiarise coaches, referees, and athletes with updated rules and officiating standards. Officials from United World Wrestling facilitated the session, which was described as essential for maintaining fairness and professionalism.
Organisers expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness, noting that over 30 referees were deployed to ensure smooth conduct of the competition.
In the men’s 65kg final, Bayelsa’s Terry Godfred secured victory over Emmanuel Okiki of Ngobere Club, while Delta’s Martin Godswill defeated Gabriel Edet of Cross River in the 55kg category.
In the women’s events, Priscilla Archbong triumphed over Imomotime Tariere of Dynamite Club in the 49kg final, while Helen Peters edged Ayo Esewi of Edo State in the 57kg category.
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Officials also confirmed that a jury panel reviewed bouts and provided guidance to referees throughout the competition to ensure adherence to rules.
The presence of experienced officials, including international referees and technical directors, further strengthened the quality of officiating at the event.
Vice President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Chris Amkpila, emphasised the importance of the tournament in identifying and developing young talents.
According to him, competitions like the Governor Douye Diri Wrestling Classic serve as a pathway for athletes to gain exposure and progress to higher levels.
Similarly, international referee Lt. Col. Okou Timipre described the event as a strategic move to popularise beach wrestling, noting its strong potential for growth both in Nigeria and globally.
The Governor Douye Diri Wrestling Classic has continued to expand since its inception, with Bayelsa State positioning itself as a key hub for wrestling development in Nigeria and across Africa.
The event was attended by members of the NWF board, government officials, and other stakeholders in the sports sector, adding to the significance of the occasion.
