“Athletes of Nigerian origin dominate world sports including British Championships!” – Olusesan Olukoya, CADC General Secretariat
“We love Scotland, the culture, the people, the identity. It’s beautiful. We can’t wait to come to Scotland. Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Covering the northern third of the island of Great Britain, mainland Scotland has a 96-mile border with England to the southeast. Scotland is famous for its whisky distilleries, bagpipes, lively music culture, and beautiful lochs across the country. From its stunning landscape and architecture to its hearty food and legendary golf courses, Scotland is a popular destination for travelers from all over the world and we are indeed excited about all these,” Olukoya explains.
“Frankie Mooney is an exceptional talent. We know he is the best British wrestler for now. Which is why he earned this match. We know this. However, we also know, competitively speaking, UK are a weaker people.”
“Many international talents come to Africa but they don’t do so well. The climate, the culture, the demands of travel. It is very difficult. We are the second largest continent, covering an area more than three times that of the United States remember, and we have wrestling in the most remote places that are very difficult to navigate. These wrestlers don’t follow strict rules, guidance or advice and they get sick or find themselves in trouble. They are not prepared physically or mentally. What you encounter when you do finally get there are warriors, iron to the core and ready to fight.”
“You might believe because you see on TV that such and such is the biggest and baddest but what you don’t see on TV, where we come from, wrestlers are much more mightier. In Africa, black is power and we are plentiful.”
“When Frankie Mooney came to Nigeria, first he participated in a number of events over 14 days in different locations. He sacrificed sleep to do what was necessary. Competing during the day, in heat up to 40 °C (104 °F), is something he isn’t used to. It’s a shock to the system. Second, he competed in the Kumite tournament and won, convincingly, impressing heads of state, sponsors, many thousands of fans who had come to watch and won the respect of other fighters who had various fighting backgrounds like karate, judo, boxing and the like. There were further events where he continued to do well and unfortunately due to the pandemic, the remaining schedule stopped indefinitely and any matches earned to him were lost.”
“The pandemic was unprecedented. Normally CADC rules stipulate if combatants are unavailable then this negatively affects their rankings. We agreed this was unfair and in mid-2021 we looked to make an offer to his team. These were long negotiations and what we now see is the result of these conversations, an event in December where for the first time in history, the CADC World Heavyweight Championship will be contested outside of the continent which is why we are coming to Scotland.”
“The CADC has been protecting and preserving African wrestling which dates back hundreds of years. We have a long list to admit to the historical record and celebrate from the late Power Mike, Mike Bamidele, Ben Lion Heart, all of blessed memory, and then Ladi Braimoh “African Tiger” who is a King now in Kwara State in Nigeria , The Great Power Uti and so many more too many to mention in the short time here. They continue to inspire and empower individuals and entire communities and with our increasing membership and governing signatories ensuring on going Federal support for our sport is intact, the CADC is continuing to develop a foundation, managing our leagues and push its top athletes into world competition. Although we have always been here, Africa is now starting to be seen by the world truly. Our remarkable athletes cannot be ignored.”
“Frankie Mooney will be in his own country. We recognise home advantage and comforts. As skilled as he is in the battle arts, Ubaha Martin is a champion of champions and with a victory will further distinguish himself as a Triple Crown Champion. Frankie Mooney will need more than the weather on his side.”
“I do not say that to cause offense but athletes of Nigerian origin dominate world sports including British Championships! CJ Ujah, Dasaolu, Edoburun, Tiffany Porter and Cindy Ofili all have their origins traced to Nigeria. Femi Ogunode, Chijindu Ujah, Lyukman Adams and Kemi Adekoya too. In the American leagues, you have Omos and Apollo Crews and many more on their way. Nigerian athletes are competing well, everywhere. Other countries claim them as their own but they are ours. Countries like Britain claim them because they are supremely talented people as their efforts go to show and are clear to be seen.
“Ubaha Martin is an Olympic and Commonwealth championship wrestler. He is an African Heavyweight Champion, current UPW World Heavyweight Champion and very recently won a Championship tournament at the National Stadium. A very well respected coach amongst the sports commissions also. He has wrestled some of the biggest names from American leagues like Yokozuna, Rikishi, Fatu, Earthquake and Jim Neidhart and many British legends of the sport. Right now, there is no better wrestler who will go to Scotland and compete. We are confident of African victory.”
