Pro- Wrestling Africa honours newstap Editor, Eduzor, Oba Buremoh, Ikpea, others at end of year wrestling extravaganza

Pro-wrestling Africa, the body responsible for the promotion of professional wrestling in the continent on Sunday, December, 24, 2023 rolled out the drums to honour some important Nigerians who have contributed to the development of the mats man game in the country.
The event which was held at the wrestling arena of the National Stadium Surulere Lagos attracted hundreds of wrestling fans, friends and associates of the awardees who were on hand to rejoice with them and be part of the end of year wrestling extravaganza which was held at the award venue.
The award which was in two categories saw seven persons receiving ‘ Award of Excellence’
They are ; veteran journalist and Editor of newstap.com.ng, Ifeanyi Eduzor, National Chairman of Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Rev Ambassador, Samuel Ikpea, Dr. Adelaja Adenuga of Adelaja Adenuga Foundation and Alhaji Dr. Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya (M.C. Olomo), Chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers, Lagos.
Others are; President of Global Wrestling Federacy, Golden Boy Dr. Jim McDowell, Bry Anderson of WrestleMap.com and former WBF Cruiserweight champion, Bash Ali.
There was also an International Royal Award For Pro- Wrestling Excellence which was received by HRH. Oba James Oladipo Buremoh, the Onidera of Idera Land, Madam Philo James, former wrestling champion, Morris Atula and veteran wrestling coach and champion, Samuel Omare Omene-Johnson A.K.A Jimmy Palm ‘De African Dream’.
Presenting the award to the beneficiaries, Secretary General of Pro-Wrestling Africa, Olusesan Olukoya explained that the awardees were selected based on their numerous contributions to the development of wrestling which has spanned many years not only in Nigeria but the entire African continent.
“The awardees were carefully selected and their choice is devoid of any political consideration or influence rather we took cognizance of their contributions to the game and their humanitarian activities which qualified them for the award”, he explained.
The wrestling scribe further stated that the body will continue to recognize and honour those Nigerians who have one way or the other contributed in not only developing the game but are also involved in humanitarian activities.
” We decided to combine the award nite with the end of year wrestling extravaganza because we felt it’s necessary not only to recognize those who have stood with us over the years but also give fans opportunity to have a feel of the best of wrestling action during this year’s Christmas celebration.
The wrestling scribe used the occasion to appeal to Nigerians and corporate organisations to emulate the awardees and support the growth of the sports which was one of the most popular sports in the country in the 70’s to 90’s.
Receiving the award, Eduzor who dedicated it to all wrestlers and their fans said he was overwhelmed by the award and commended the wrestling body for finding him worthy for such an honour.
“I’m really honoured to be considered worthy for this award. This shows that my contributions and work for the growth of wrestling is being recognized and I thank Pro- Wrestling Africa for this recognition.
According to him, the award will challenge him to do more for the sports just as he appealed to government at all levels and corporate Nigeria to give financial support to the sports as a way of fighting unemployment and crime in the society.
In his remarks, National Chairman of Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Rev. Samuel Ikpea noted that the award will make him take special interest in the sports with a charge to the wrestling body not to relent in their efforts at ensuring that talented Nigerian youths become world beaters in the game.
“It’s a thing of joy that my services to sports in this country is being recognized. As National Chairman of Nigeria Football Supporters Club, our support is not limited to football alone as we support all sports and wrestling is not an exemption.
” I have received many awards in the past both here in Nigeria and other countries but this particular one is too dear to me because it’s coming from a sport I hold in high esteem.
“What I’m promising the wrestling body is that I will always be there for them and do my best to ensure that the sport regains it’s lost glory.
Meanwhile in the wrestling fights organised to spice up the award nite, Nigeria’s Augustine Okafor A.K.A Mr. Sharp Man was crowned the new African Light heavyweight champion after he defeated USA Bing of Congo DR
In the other fights of the night, Akwa Ibom State born Power Vic recorded a pinfall against God’s Kid from Kogi State after 8 mins, 3 secs of their entertaining fight with Eagle De Blaze recording another pinfall against Jimmy Palm De African Dream.
The only female fight of the night was won by Iron Lady Bekky who defeated Alexandra the Queen after 9 mins, 5 seconds in a fight described by fans as the best fight of the night.