Twenty-Time Medalist, Desmond Ibe, Asks Governor Nwifuru To Extend Sports Support Beyond Football
Former national wrestling champion and 20-time medallist, Desmond Ibe, has called on Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, to broaden the state’s investment in sports beyond football to include individual games like wrestling, athletics, and boxing.
Ibe, who won four medals for Ebonyi at the National Sports Festival and 16 more in various open wrestling competitions, said poor athlete welfare and lack of support have caused the decline of individual sports in the state.
He lamented that many top talents have left Ebonyi to compete for states offering better conditions and opportunities.
Reflecting on his own career, the 60kg wrestler recalled how he was one of only two athletes to secure double medals for Ebonyi during the 2008 National Sports Festival in Kaduna, despite limited preparation and inadequate support.
Ibe praised Governor Nwifuru for recently hosting a reception for the Abakaliki FC team after their impressive run to the final of the NFF President’s Federation Cup, but stressed that similar recognition must be given to athletes in individual sports.
“If such encouragement is extended to other games, athletes will be motivated to train harder and bring more medals to the state,” he said.
He appealed for the recruitment of qualified coaches, the provision of modern training facilities, and a more enabling environment to attract top athletes especially indigenes currently representing other states.
Ibe, a silver medalist at the Kada Games, also advised young athletes to take their sports seriously, describing it as a viable path to personal success.
He further urged the government to employ retired athletes who once represented the state, to fill existing coaching vacancies and help groom future champions.
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