Ashton Mutuwa, a wrestler from Nigeria, explained that he is not happy with his performance at the recent 2023 African Games in Ghana and that he still has work to do to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and win a medal.
Although Mutuwa spent the majority of his wrestling career in the United States, he chose to represent Nigeria at the African Games, which he made his debut in Ghana.
The American wrestler, however, overcame all odds to secure a silver medal in the competition and, following a strong performance in the men’s 125 kg freestyle event at the African and Oceania Qualifiers in Alexandria, Egypt in March, he also secured a spot at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Mutuwa hopes to join the exclusive group of athletes who have won Olympic medals for Nigeria, while also acknowledging the tremendous support of his teammates, coaches, and the Nigeria Wrestling Federation.
In a statement provided to our correspondent by the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Mutuwa said, “I just wanted to give a shout out to Nigerians for the support I have received so far.”
“Daniel Igali helped coach and mentor me to reach this level, so I am grateful to him and the NWF board for letting me come wrestle and represent Nigeria.
Additionally to my team members Harrison, Stephen, Simeon, and Braveman, as well as my coach Victor Kodei. Without you helping me, I could not have completed this.
“Even though there is still work to be done, I am thrilled to be representing my country in Paris. I think we have made progress so far, and I hope to bring home a medal from the games,” he continued.