Quotes from relatives and personalities around the Nigerian pro wrestling scene following the passing of Tony Destroyer
‘’On Friday April 1st, Akumazi lost its first SON. The Wrestler’s Association of Nigeria lost a LEGEND. I lost my immediate younger BROTHER. EbubeDike..... Aguneche-Akumazi... Nwoke ka ibeya….Baba of the boys. We will miss you dearly. I know you’re in heaven with Ejime. To everyone reading this, let's learn to live and love. Time is the greatest asset we all have, and it never stops ticking away. So, use the time you have left to love your family and friends because no one will indeed live forever. Rest on my beloved brother’’
- Toria Williams Nee Nwabueze, UK.-based Senior Sister to Tony Destroyer
‘’O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Dad, you are one in a million and I will always cherish you and all you stand for. Good night sir’’.
-Temitope Nwabueze, First son
Tony Destoryer through the years
"It is not flesh and blood but the heart which makes us fathers and sons."
- Nelson Allison Nwabueze, Son
"Life isn't perfect, every failure we have is a learning moment. It helps us to grow and evolve. Good night Dad.’’
- Reetaah Allison nee Nwabueze, Daughter
Tony Destroyer, far left, poses with Chris “Bambikiller” Raaber and other wrestlers in Kano, Kano State Nigeria in 2004
“Yes, grandpa is gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. We indeed love you but God loves you most. Good night sir till we shall meet to part no moreat the feet of our maker”
- Precious Abu, Granddaughter
‘’Tony Destroyer my big brother is a God fearing person who always stands out for the truth. I will definitely miss him so much. We love him but God almighty loves him more. Continue to Rest in peace sir’’
- Mrs. Agbi, Sister to Tony Destroyer
Tony Destroyer, middle, makes his way to the ring
‘’Tony De Destroyer was such a great talent who has no rival or equal in the history of Nigerian professional wrestling with his acrobatic dance on the wrestling ring. He will surely be missed in the world of Nigerian and the African mat game. Sleep on African warlord.’’
-High Chief John O. Uche, President, Nigeria Pro Wrestling Federation
Tony Destroyer was a man with a big heart. Always behaving like a child who does not keep grudges. He is so lovely and may his soul rest in peace.”
-Patience Diji
Tony Destroyer, far left, and others pay a visit to the office of the Governor of Lagos State
“Although I did not personally know Tony Destroyer, his impact on the Nigerian pro wrestling scene is undeniable. His size, unique look and obvious charisma jumps out in photos. His role as one of the innovators of the pro wrestling industry in Nigeria has helped lay the foundation for the extremely bright future of wrestling in the country today. He was one of a very few pro wrestlers to conclude his career undefeated and never relinquish a championship belt that he worked hard to earn, both very impressive feats.”
- Bryan Anderson, Founder /CEO www.wrestlemap.com, USA
‘’The story of professional wrestling in Nigeria and Africa would be incomplete without listing the enormous contributions of Tony Destroyer as National and African champions of pro wrestling. We (Tony Destroyer, Myself, Elephando Bassey and Kally Agogo) started together as pioneer wrestlers in the early 70s under Mike Bamidele. Tony Destroyer has paid his dues and it is time for him to go home. We are indeed pained by his death but we cannot help it. Good night champion.’’
-Morris Atula, Former World Wrestling Light Heavyweight champion
Tony Destroyer at the height of of his wrestling career
“Tony Destroyer was such a nice man who doesn't know if he had offended you or not but will always count offences on you. He forgives easily once you plead with him and he will then be happy. He was my right hand man. He was a big brother, a friend and a colleague. I was his second in command at the gym. Whatever he does, he must tell me. I love him and I will always do. I feel him more now that he has gone.I will really miss him so much. May his gentle soul rest in peace.”
- Fidelis Nasamu (Kapoorman) Wrestler, administrator
“Tony Destroyer wrestled with death but death couldn't destroy him. He Rests in God's bosom!!!”
-Ralph Nwafor, Sec. General, Nigeria Wrestling Board of Control (NWBoC)
Tony Destroyer, middle, with his eldest sister Toria Williams and her son Uche Aniye in Lagos
“I saw Tony Destroyer in March when I came home and we had discussion on the way forward for the development and promotion of professional wrestling in Nigeria which has not really grown much as I left it to the USA two decades ago. ‘’Baba Destro’’ as I fondly call him made lots of inputs and gave lots of way forward advice at the meeting. Yes, he is gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. May his soul rest in peace.”
-Michael Imuzeze, (O.C. Muzeze), Texas, USA, Former Nigeria Super Heavyweight Champion
‘’Tony Destroyer was a pioneer pro wrestling talent. We grew up together in the sport as we started in the early 70s. Tony, myself and Morris Atula under the tutelage of Mike Bamidele, former world light heavy weight champion and Tony rose from amateur to professional and later he became national champion and AWC African Super heavyweight champion and title holder. He was indeed a show maker. He pulls crowd whenever he wrestles. Sleep on Tony Destroyer.’’
- Elephando Bassey, childhood friend and colleague of Tony Destroyer
Olusesan Olukoya, far right, surrounded by family of Tony Destroyer at the Tony Destroyer Memorial Wrestling Championship from June of 2022
"I met Tony Destroyer on my very first tour to Kano, Nigeria in 2004. He was one of the most entertaining Wrestlers I have ever met during my 25 years as full time Pro Wrestler! I have traveled 47 countries so far, but Tony is one of a kind - loved and respected by his fellow colleagues and now dearly missed as well!! I will see you at the other side, my friend! Rest In Peace."
-Chris “Bambikiller” Raaber, pro wrestler based in Austria, currently 8 time world heavyweight champion on 4 continents
‘’May the soul of Tony Destroyer rest in peace. I just want to use this forum to encourage all wrestlers to always remember to interact with their brothers and sisters. Most of our wrestlers do not belong to their family meetings or village meetings. Please it pays to belong and relate with your brothers. Lagos is not our home. Get yourself registered in the branch meetings of your communities. You will never regret doing so. May God bless and protect us all.’’
-Martin Chukwulobe Udoagwa (MC Original), Former NPWF Heavyweight Champion
Tony Destroyer’s burial
“May his soul rest in peace with the blessing of God! May the land of his ancestors be sweet to him.”
- Alain Lesiourd, pro wrestling promoter & manager, based in France
‘’I know little about the talented late Tony Destroyer. He is a fearless and friendly man. He came, saw and conquered. Good night champion as we shall meet to Part no more.’’
-Christopher Columbus Madogwe (The Great Olympia), Former Sec. Gen. of NPWF & Former NPWF Heavyweight Champion
Tony Destroyer, far left, in a recent photo with other colleagues from the Nigerian pro wrestling scene
"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31.
-Robert O’Sullivan, Pro Wrestling Enthusiast, South Carolina, USA
‘’Sail on great soul. Destroyer as fondly called by all and sundry at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagosin Nigeria was initially my coach for normal physical exercises before he became a loving surrogate father to me. Rarely in existence, to find a loving, open minded, caring person like him. I think of you fondly, knowing you are in a better place than this one. Continue to rest in the assured arms of love. Good night.’’
-Juliet Dee, Former Trainee
"Tony Destroyer was a great wrestling entertainer and Nigerian wrestling fans will surely miss him"
-Princess Anna Igelenyah (Anna Ring Marshal), Texas, USA, Former NPWF Women’s Champion
"Tony Destroyer is a name in the Nigeria wrestling industry that can not be easily forgotten. His glamorous appearances that characterize his showmanship outing made his bouts very entertaining whenever he's competing. His fatherly advise for other wrestlers as well as humble and noble correctional and technical input will be missed. I wish him peaceful rest in the bossom of God."
-Mohammed Aliking Attai (Aliking De Action Disaster), ATWS Middle weight champion
"Destroyer, a great man has gone but shall never be forgotten. Rest in peace. 🙏🏻”
-Jennifer, relative
"Tony Destroyer, man of the people. Always very lively to stay with. He will always be in our heart for ever. Please rest in peace champ. Great son of Akumazi Umuocha, we will really miss you and your jokes."
-Emeka Obidinma Kenton (Conquer Mixture), colleague to Destroyer
