Nigeria has made outstanding performances in the sport of wrestling. One of the most celebrated figures in Nigerian wrestling history is Michael Okpala, famously known as Power Mike.
Chief Michael Ọkpara A.K.A Power Mike was a professional Wrestler and boxer from Neni, Anambra State. He was born on August 8, 1939, in Neni, Aniocha LGA of Anambra state, Nigeria. He died on the 11th day of March 2004 at the National Hospital, CBD Abuja, Nigeria, after a prolonged illness, at the age of 64.
Early Life and Transition to Boxing
His interest was initially in boxing games, which made him join the Dick Tiger Boxing Club as a middleweight boxer in the amateur category while in Onitsha immediately after his primary education.
In 1952 he left his village for Ọnịcha, in order to learn how to organise and run a trade business. In the same year he joined Dick Tiger Boxing Club as a middle weight amateur boxer and met Dick Ihetu Tiger his role model.
In his pursuit, he became a big-time traveler traveling from states in Nigeria to international countries. In 1961, he started a nationwide tour which took him to Ọnịcha Enugwu, Aba, Port Harcourt, Lagos, Jos and Kaduna. In 1964, he went to Ghana and his performances there were successful. He defeated many.
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From Boxing to Wrestling
It was when he traveled to Greece in 1968 after his one-year contract in Sweden that he became a wrestler. In 1967, he toured Cote d'Ivoire and Senegal before he found his way into Europe, accompanied by his friend Engr. Onyesọ, (the Igwe of Nri) He defeated many heavy weighters in Europe. In 1967, he got a one-year contract in Sweden after which he went to Greece and became a professional wrestler. He defeated many wrestlers in Greece.
While in Greece, he performed as a superman, and a wrestling promoter interested him and trained him under Kalie Abdulkalie of Lebanon.
Return to Nigeria and Wrestling Career
He later returned to Nigeria in 1970 after he competed in Britain. In 1970, he returned to Africa& defeated Gambia's Massambula to become the African heavyweight wrestling champion& titleholder.
Power Mike defeated several noteworthy global superstars from different countries. Some of his notable victories include:
- Judd Harris
- Ali Baba of Lebanon in 1973
- Joseph Kovacs
- John Tiger of Canada
- Johnny Kwango
- Power Jack
In 1973, Power Mike wrestled and defeated Ali Baba of Lebanon; he also defeated Johnny Kwango in Lagos. January 31, 1975. Power Mike, world heavy-weight wrestling champion, successfully defended his title by knocking out his London-based Nigerian challenger, Johnny Kwango in the 3rd of their 15-round contest at the National Stadium, Surulere. A well known Londoner Mr. Spencer Churchill was the referee.
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Born August 8, 1939, in Neni, Anambra, Okpala was active during the 1970s to the 1990s, having matches against Johnny Kwango and Power Jack (Wild Bear Elijah).
Nigerian wrestler / promoter "Power Mike" Okpala and saw Tony as the perfect babyface attraction.
Will The IDIOTS at National Wrestling Alliance finally GET IT?
Retirement and Promotion of Wrestling
In 1976, he retired from active wrestling and specialized in international sports promotions, bringing foreign wrestlers onto Nigeria's shores. In 1976, Okpala was featured in "Drum: A Magazine of Africa for Africa".
Professional wrestling has been promoted under various banners in Nigeria over the last dozen years. However, in the autumn of 1977 a union was made between the Pegson Promotions and the other major promotional body in Nigeria, The Power Mike Wrestling promotions. They, in turn, have joined the World Wrestling Federation headed by veteran Spanish promoter Luis Gil Esparaza. The WWF has an international membership of promoters from: England, Germany.
He has been propagating African pro wrestling for over three decades and has visited almost all the African nations that have the semblance of professional wrestling likewise Europe and USA.
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Legacy and Death
It came as shocking news on the 11th day of March 2004 when Power Mike finally gave up at the National Hospital, CBD Abuja, Nigeria, after a prolonged illness. Nigerian wrestler Michael Okpala, also known as "Power Mike" died at the age of 64, March 11, 2004. He was a household name in the world of wrestling who retired as the undefeated World Heavyweight wrestling champion.
Okonkwo Asaa, has a hit, praising Power Mike!
Other Notable Nigerian Wrestlers
Nigeria continues to produce talented wrestlers who have made their mark on the international stage. Some of these include:
- Adekuoroye: A medallist who has made a name in the world wrestling medal table. In 2014, she won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games; at the 2015 World Wrestling Championships, she also won a bronze medal.
- Blessing Oborududu: A Nigeria freestyle wrestler born on the 12th of March 1989 in Gbanranu, Southern Region of Bayelsa state, Nigeria. At the 2017 Islamic Solidarity Games, she won a gold medal for the women's 63kg category.
- John Emmanuel: One of the renowned wrestlers in Nigeria, ranked number one in the men's 70kg freestyle wrestling by the United World Wrestling - UWW.
- Agiomor Ekerekeme: He is in the 79kg men category of wrestling. He has won many national titles but became famous as he won his first African title in the continental championship held in Port Harcourt City.
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