Some Arm Wrestlers at the ongoing National Open Championships in Lagos on Saturday urged the Nigeria Arm Wrestling Federation (NAWF) to organise regular competitions to promote the sport in the country.

The arm wrestlers who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the National Stadium, Lagos said that such efforts would help to move the sport forward.

Sukura Ibiyeye, who participated in the female 75kg category, said that regular competitions would help to create more awareness about the sport.

Ibiyeye, however, commended the federation for their effort in organising the competition and hoped that she would be selected for the World Championships coming up in September.

“We need more competitions so that this sport can be popular in Nigeria and my dream is to represent Nigeria in international competitions.”

Samuel Isamah, a 75kg male arm wrestler, said that the sport would get more publicity if competitions were held regularly, saying that the sport was relatively new in the country.

“My advice to the federation is to do everything possible to increase the profile of the sport, in order to encourage more people to participate.”

Also, Osideko Ilesanmi, who featured in the 75kg category, told NAN that the event was an eye-opener for him, saying that the sport should be encouraged in the country.

“This is my first competition in the sport and I can say it’s a very good sport that people should participate in.”

Sunday Ogunbawo, the winner of the 100kg male event, urged the body to intensify its efforts at moving the sport forward.

“The federation has a huge task ahead in getting the sport to the limelight, in terms of publicity, sponsorship and other factors.”

NAN reports that the two-day championships would end on Saturday. (NAN)

•Photo shows Arm Wrestlers