Igali acknowledged the nation’s high expectations during a reception hosted by the Nigeria Wrestling Federation to welcome the wrestlers back, especially in light of the federation’s history of success in international events.

Igali apologized to Nigerians for not meeting the goal that he had set for himself.

“No Nigerian federation has ever won six world titles before. Only the Wrestling Federation is involved.

The purpose of the ceremony, which was also attended by Nigeria Customs Service Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, was to give the athletes a boost of confidence and show that they still have support in spite of the setback.

The federation’s board member Adeniyi emphasized the value of unity in the face of both success and adversity.

“We stick together when things are good and when things are bad. We have the chance to thank our athletes and authorities for their efforts at the reception, Adeniyi said.

He went on to say that he was confident the team could recover given the correct circumstances and support.

Reflections on the difficulties of training for the Olympics were shared at the reception. Adeniyi pointed out that although the Games take place every four years, athletes frequently train for ten years to make a single appearance.

“It’s not the end of the world because we know they have done it before and, with the right support, they will do it again,” Adeniyi said, maintaining her optimism despite the setback in Paris.

Six wrestlers—Christianah Ogunsanya (53 kg), Esther Kolawole (62 kg), Odunayo Adekuoroye (57 kg), Hannah Reuben (76 kg), Blessing Oborududu (68 kg), and Ashton Mutuwa (125 kg), who is based in the US—represented Nigeria in Paris.

The wrestlers tried their hardest, but they couldn’t duplicate their prior victories on the Olympic arena.