Nigeria Wrestling Federation has suspended referee Happiness Aruna from officiating at the ongoing Governor Dickson National Wrestling Classics holding in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State, Sportinglife.ng reports.
Aruna, who was suspended for her misconduct during a match between Bayelsa and Delta State decided at the Indoor Hall of the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenegoa, now faces a six to a 12-month ban.
Speaking on the suspension, the Chairman of the Nigeria Wrestling Referees Association, Usman Yusuf said, “There was a fight going on between Bayelsa and Delta and fortunately there was a call by the center referee and the coach of the Bayelsa challenged the decision. And in our process of reviewing the action, the official in question, who was just on the sidelines, was seen to be influencing the judge.
“In all, the referees have been trying their best in this competition and I commend them for their efforts. However, I believe there is a need for improvement. We also need more refresher courses too to get updated on the new changes in the rules and regulations of the game,” Usman told Sportinglife.ng.
Meanwhile, Augustine Ukoro of Delta State won gold in the 97kg Greco-Roman final, while Samuel Ebikabowa of Bayelsa settled for silver and Blessing Darosa of Plateau won the bronze medal.
In the 79kg Men’s Freestyle, Agiomo Ekereme of Delta won gold, Jackson Olufemi of Ondo got silver and Agala Opekiri of Bayelsa won the silver medal.
Mercy Genesis of Bayelsa defeated Christina Ogunsanya to claim gold in the 50kg women’s wrestling.
Actions in this year’s edition of the Classics will end on Monday with some interesting and exciting fights involving some of the best wrestlers in the country. World wrestling silver medalist and five-
time African champion, Odunayo Adekuoroye of Ondo; eight-time Africa Champion and
Commonwealth Games gold medalist, Blessing Oborududu of Bayelsa; five-time African Champion, Daniel Amas of Bayelsa have qualified for Monday’s gold medal match.
Read Also: Gov Dickson Classics: Onyebuchi, Balogun win gold
Others, who will be competing for the gold medal and a place in the forthcoming Africa Games include three-time African Champion, John Emmanuel and his Ondo State counterpart, Aminat Adeniyi, a Commonwealth gold medalist.