Igali Congratulates Onyali On Her Appointment, Commends Sports Minister

President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) Hon. Daniel Igali has congratulated legendary sprint queen Mary Onyali on her appointment as the Special Adviser (sports) to the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare.

The 51-year-old former 200m African record holder was on Tuesday handed the role by Sunday Dare, and Igali described Onyali’s appointment as that of ‘a square peg in a square hole.’

The NWF boss also commended the Sports Minister for finding Onyali – who won several laurels for Nigeria in her active days – worthy of such position.  

“I congratulate Mary Onyali on her well-deserved appointment and to also commend the minister for putting a square peg in a square hole,” the Olympic champion said.

“Onyali is someone who has toiled for the country, someone who understands sports and someone who I think will give him very valuable advice that will help him in making decisions about sports in the country.”

A veteran of five consecutive Olympics, Onyali won two bronze medals in the 4 X 100m and 200m events in the 1992 and 1996 Games respectively.

She also won seven individual medals at the All-Africa Games, including 100m and 200m double gold in 1995 and 2003.

Amongst several positions previously held, Onyali has worked as Special Adviser (technical) to former director general of the defunct National Sports Commission (NSC) Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye.