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Sports News of Tuesday, 3 August 2021

Source: punchng.com

'Go for gold' - Dare, Igali, Nigerians tell Oborududu

Blessing Oborududu Blessing Oborududu

Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, President, Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali, and Nigerians have charged wrestler, Blessing Oborududu, to go for gold against America’s Tamyra Mensah-Stock in the final of the women’s 68kg freestyle wrestling event at the Makuhari Messe Hall in Tokyo on Tuesday (today).

Oborududu defeated Mongolia’s Soronzonboldyn Battsetseg 7-2 in the semi-final to book her place in the final and a chance of winning an Olympic gold medal for the first time in the country’s history in the sport.

In the first round, the 32-year-old made light work of her Azerbaijan for Elis Manolova, winning 13-2 via technical superiority.

Her quarter-final bout against Kyrgyzstan’s Meerim Zhumanazarova was her most difficult outing yet, but she triumphed 3-2 on points.

Oborududu is assured of at least a silver medal for reaching the final, but Nigerians including the sports minister and wrestling federation president have urged her not to settle for anything but gold.

Dare in a statement on Monday said, “This is a real blessing to Nigeria. Thank you Blessing for wiping away the pain of the near misses recorded in other events.

“Nigerians are proud of you. The display is typical of the never-say-die Nigerian spirit. Keep the tempo going until we reach the ultimate, which is the gold. Don’t give up the fight until you re-write Nigerian Olympics history with a gold medal in the kitty.”

NWF president Igali also hailed the 10-time African champion and Commonwealth Games winner for her memorable feat at the Games, adding that the other wrestlers were also poised to win medals in Tokyo.

“We will continue to do our best, that’s sacrosanct. I’m glad that the whole country is getting to know a bit about the work we have been doing.

“So far, their performance has been commendable and we’re on the brink of jostling for the gold medal. There is no undue pressure or distraction from any quarter. The wrestlers are not under any pressure,” Igali said.

Reacting to Oborodudu’s feat, Nigerians on social media also poured accolades on the multiple medal-winning athletes.

“Congratulations Blessing Oborududu … Go for gold,” Luper Anaka tweeted.

Samuel Alfred tweeted, “Dominant performance from Blessing Oborodudu. She deserves the gold medal. I pray she gets it.”

@Uzochi_O added, “The wrestling federation is what you get when a proven professional who understands what it takes to be a champion is in charge. What Blessing Oborodudu has done is no surprise at all. We knew we were going to get a medal in wrestling. Why? They were prepared!”

Tayo Adetunji also wrote on Twitter, “Great job Blessing Oborodudu. At least something to cheer about.”