The Nigeria Amateur Wrestling Federation (NAWF) has suspended three coaches from the festival over their unruly behaviour at the Garden City Games going on here in PortHarcourt.

Top on the list of the coaches who were suspended for their unsportsmanly conduct is  Abia state wrestling coach, Kenneth Nworji who got a one year suspension while the other two, Oluwole Akala of  Rivers state and Debie, a coach with the Army team  who guided the Kaduna wrestling team to the Games in Port Harcourt  were suspended till the end of the Sports Festival.

Confirming their suspension yesterday at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Port Harcourt Civic Centre, the Secretary General of NAWF, Dr Segun Akinlotan told Sports Vanguard that the coaches were suspended by the technical committee of the wrestling federation for abusing the officials officiating matches at the festival.

Dr Akinlotan also informed that the federation has dissolved the Referees Committee as its tenure had expired

Imo athletes to expect warm reception in Owerri – Emelu

THE newly appointed commissioner of sports in Imo State, Comrade Kenneth Emelu  assured yesterday that a warm reception awaits the state contingent at the ongoing National Sports Festival, Port Harcourt back home when the festival ends by weekend.

Team Imo  is seated  in 13th  position of the medals table with  3 gold, 9 silver and 18 bronze, a performance which the commissioner has attributed to inadequate preparation caused by the immediate past government. He hopes that under the present government, sports will enjoy serious attention.

He said, “it’s been very interesting competition at the festival. Imo state athletes have not done that badly and we know they would have done better if  they had good preparation before the games.

The fact remains that the team was unable to go into proper camping on time because the immediate government refused to release money for they camping exercise not until this present government came to power.

“However, no matter their performance at the games, his Excellence Rochas Okorocha has promised to appreciate as a step towards encouraging athletes in  the state,” he said.

He also assured that under his office all sports will be well attended to as assured not to be a commissioner of football.