By Ben EFE
Former World and Olympics wrestling champion, Daniel Igali is cautiously optimistic about the chances of Nigerian wrestlers making an impact at the London 2012 Olympics.

Igali who is the technical adviser of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation lamented that his training programme for the Games has been thwarted by the failure of the National Sports Commission to provide funding to back up his plans just like all other federations preparing for the Olympics.

“All I can do now is to pray for the athletes. This is because we haven’t done what we are supposed to do.

“We got into camp only on Monday. This is two months to the Olympics, If I say that we would win a medal, it will be like stretching my luck,” said Igali who won world acclaim under the banner of Canada.

However, he said that the wrestlers are in top condition, adding that they are only lagging behind in training. Three Nigerian wrestlers, Amarachi Obiajuwa Favour, Blessing Oborodudu qualified for the women event, while Adibo Dick will compete in the men’s freestyle.