By Anita Iroajanma
The  enthusiasm and excitement that attended the fixture for the Night of Champions Wrestling championship turned to despair, when one of the wrestlers Ifeanyi Christopher Nnatuanya, popularly known as “Lion Man”, collapsed and died during a bout against Mr Peace, at the National stadium Lagos last Sunday.

The wrestling show packaged by the Nigerian Wrestling Board of Control saw the world champion Emeka Offor, alias Ultimate Commander successfully defend his title.

Lion Man who was fighting Mr Peace as undercard to the main bout could not respond after he was slammed by his opponent.

Ifeanyi Christopher Nnatuanya

On noticing that the wrestler was listless and not responding to his opponents maneuvers, his corner moved into the ring immediately to save him from further punishment.

He was moved from the ring unconscious and immediately rushed to Havana Hospital in Surulere where the medical personnel in attendance rejected the wrestler because the money asked for could not be paid.

He was then taken back to the stadium where the unconscious man was kept in a pick-up van without any medical personnel or first aid treatment. In a bid to revive him, his colleagues gathered around the pick-up and began a lengthy prayer session.

He was thereafter, taken to an Health Centre along Apapa Road where the matsman was confirmed dead.
Nigerian-born international wrestling champion, Ultimate Commander who featured in the main bill said it was unfortunate that Lion Man died.

“It was evident that the wrestlers did not train and were evidently not fit. The unfortunate incident would have been avoided if appropriate measures were put in place,” the champion said.