The President Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Honourable Daniel Igali, has commended the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Chris Musa and the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi MFR for magnanimously sponsoring Lt Colonel Timipre Okou (PhD) and Happiness Burutu, respectively to South Africa to attend United World Wrestling Courses.

Honourable Igali in a statement personally signed lauded the Chief of Defence Staff for the kind gesture, which has made Lt Colonel Timipre Okou, to be certified on Courses about United World Wrestling Sports Administration Course for National Sports Federation administration, Safeguarding, Beach Wrestling (Coach/Referee) Course, Olympic Wrestling Level 2 Referee Foundation Course and Olympic Youth Athletes Training Camp among others.

Similarly, Nigeria's female wrestling team assistant coach, Happiness Burutu, was certified as Level 3 coach, a prerequisite knowledge that will aid her in effective coaching and mentoring of athletes and aspiring young coaches. 

The statement described the passion and progressive inner desire of the CG and CDS as heartwarming and motivating, because it aligns with the vision of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation to equip its officials and coaches the needed capacity at developing those around them.

Igali said the gesture will inspire other coaches and officials to focus on self-improvement, thus obtaining excellent results.

"Big congratulations to Lt Colonel Okou and Happiness Burutu for obtaining such prestigious certificates, this will no doubt improve our sport particularly the technical aspect and it wouldn't have been possible if not for the generosity of the Chief of Defence Staff and the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs." 

"So, on behalf of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, i want to appreciate them for the efforts. This will greatly contribute and inspire future generations in the military and civilian coaches and athletes of the game."

"As I've always said, athletes are what they're taught in training and if we are to get it right we must train our coaches and referees to be abreast with latest rules about the game and I'm glad the CDS deem it necessary." 

"This is the vision of the Wrestling Federation to implement coaching programmes that will improve performance, particularly athletes in our Federation."

"Also, special appreciation to every board member of the Wrestling Federation for aligning into the objective that our coaches/officials are properly equipped with the skills, knowledge, and ethical understanding they need to be effective." Igali concluded 

The Nigeria Wrestling Federation also extended its profound appreciation to the Wrestling governing body (UWW) for its grant and continued support to the Nigeria Wrestling Federation.

Meanwhile, the trip to South Africa offered Lt Colonel Timipre Okou who represents Africa at the World International Military Sports Council Wrestling Committee the opportunity to disclose the Wrestling Developmental Plans for Africa, hence three (3) United World Wrestling Certified Coaches from Iran in Freestyle Wrestling, Women Wrestling and Greco-Roman Wrestling will be sent to Tanzania in the next one month to train Tanzanian Armed Forces and civilian athletes for free.