The Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) has expressed deep shock and regret following the demise of Coach John Edem, who died after a protracted illness on 24th May, 2019, Bestchoicesports.com.ng can report

Until his death, late Edem was the head coach of the Cross River State Greco Roman team.

A dedicated athlete in his haydays, coach Edem won 4 national titles in the junior/intermediate class and 2 senior crowns in the 48kg category in the eighties.

Aside discovering several young athletes as a coach, late John Edem also trained former African Champion Emmanuel Nworie.

Speaking on behalf of the federation, Technical Director of NWF, Sir Damian Ohaike said: “We received the news of his death with deep shock.

“Coach Edem was very dedicated to the discovery and development of young talents. It’s a pity that he is no more. We will dearly miss him.

“I pray that God will grant his family and the entire sporting fraternity in Cross River State the fortitude to bear his loss.”

A devout Christian, Edem was married with children, and has since been buried in his hometown in Akpabuyo Local Government Area in Cross River State.

As a mark of honour for late John Edem, the Nigeria Wrestling Federation have agreed to observe a minute silence before the commencement of the 3rd Governor Dickson National Classics in Yenagoa later this month.