The Honourable commissioner for Sports Development, Bayelsa State, Daniel Igali has expressed with sadness the passing of Nigeria’s iconic international wrestler, Macaulay Appah.
Honourable Igali in a statement personally signed noted that Appah Macauley, a pioneering wrestler and sporting icon, died on December 24, 2025, at the age of 71, following a brief illness in a Yenagoa hospital.
The statement read “Appah Macauley who was from Ikibiri, in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, made history in 1984 when he became the first African wrestling champion of Ijaw origin, winning gold at the African Wrestling Championships in Cairo, Egypt. That same year, he also became the first Ijaw man to compete at the Olympic Games, placing an impressive 5th at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.”
“Beyond his international achievements, Appah Macauley was one of the foremost traditional wrestling champions in the old Rivers State, where his strength and dominance earned him the enduring nickname “The Water Lion.”
A devoted father, grandfather, uncle, mentor, and inspiration, Appah Macauley dedicated his life to uplifting young athletes and promoting wrestling across the Niger Delta and beyond. His legacy as a trailblazer and cultural icon will remain firmly etched in African sports history.” He said
“On behalf of the Government and people of Bayelsa State, and the sports community in Nigeria, our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this period. He fought a good fight of faith and has gone home to rest. May God grant him eternal rest.” Igali stated.
Meanwhile, Honourable Daniel Igali confirmed that the Ministry of Sports Development, Bayelsa State will be actively involved in the burial arrangements as it will be announced by the family in due course.
