Branded a hero by the majority of the Canadian population, it has been reported by the Canadian press that David Igali, an Olympic Champion Wrestler has had visas denied for his fellow Nigerian training team members.

Used to daily facing physical and mental challenges on the wrestling mat, Igali was stunned when finding out he will now have to face similar challenges, this time however with the Canadian government.

Igali who won a gold medal for Canada at the 2000 Summer Olympics applied for 6 visas so that his team members could accompany him to the country for an important tournament.  The high commission however subsequently refused the visas on the grounds that the athletes don’t make enough money or have family ties with the country.

It is now thought that the team which was scheduled to fly to Canada in order to participate are likely to miss the event altogether.

This issue is sparking public outrage amongst many Canadian citizens who think that the country should be doing more to support its Olympic talent.

However, the sad truth of the matter  is that even if the government have a change of heart, with the competition rapidly looming the likely hood of the team partcipating is now very slim.

CN