By Daniel Igali
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!When the drumbeat of wrestling was first heard across our land, Appah Macauley stood among those who answered its call with courage. He was of the first generation of African champions Nigeria produced – a man who wrestled not only opponents, but history itself.
In 1984, in Egypt, he won gold for Nigeria. That same year, he walked onto the world’s greatest stage at the Los Angeles Olympics and placed fifth. He became the first Ijaw and Niger delta wrestler to win African gold, and the first to carry Ijaw pride to the Olympics. In traditional wrestling, he was feared and celebrated in equal measure. In the 80s and 90s, his name traveled faster than his footsteps. They called him the Water-Lion, and the name fitted the man.
After the Olympics, he came to Eniwari. I was only a boy then – wide-eyed, listening as one listens to tales by moonlight. He spoke of Egypt, of the Olympics, of flying across the ocean. To me, Egypt sounded like it was in heaven, and the Olympics like a gathering of the gods. In that moment, a seed was planted. I wanted to go to the Olympics. And that would mean me flying on a plane.
Years passed, as they always do, and the seed grew. That childhood wonder carried me to the Olympics myself. Olympic gold! Such is the quiet power of inspiration.
Appah Macauley was a pragmatist, a mentor, a man who understood the weight of legacy. Often, he reminded us that the wrestling family would bury him. He spoke without fear, because he had already made his mark.
On 24 December 2025, Appah Macauley joined the ancestors. My condolences go to his family and all who loved him. My condolences to the government and people of bayelsa state and also to the wrestling and sports family.
I remember him as a man who opened doors simply by walking through them first.
We will bury him as he deserves –
a hero, an icon, a trailblazer. 16 January.
May the Water – Lion find rest where champions dwell.
May his story continue to teach us how greatness begins – with a dream, and the courage to pursue it.
*Daniel Igali is the Commissioner for Sports, Bayelsa State and writes from Yenagoa.
