24th December, 2010
Tears flowed freely yesterday at the humble home of late Ifeanyi Christopher ‘Lion Man’ Nnatuanya, a professional heavyweight wrestler who died shortly after his fight in the Night of Champions Wrestling Championship at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria Sunday night.
Emeka Offor, the Ultimate Commander, who defended his world title at the Night of Champions, led a delegation of Nigeria’s Professional Wrestlers to the home of their dead colleague at Balogun Close, off Oregun Road (Kudirat Abiola Way), Alausa, Ikeja in Lagos, Nigeria around 4.40 p.m. yesterday.
The widow of Lion Man, Mrs Ijeoma Nnatuanya wept bitterly with her sisters and neighbours as soon as they sighted the Ultimate Commander and his team including another top wrestler, The Executioner.
While trying to console Lion man’s pregnant widow, Commander and the other wrestlers also burst into tears. Commander told Mrs Nnatuanya that her husband’s death was a disaster to the wrestling community in Nigeria.
“We are here to condole you and the three kids that our late friend and colleague, Lion Man left behind. His death was very painful to us but we pray that god gives you and the family the fortitude to bear the loss,†Commander told the deceased family.
The Commander however promised Lion Man’s widow that he and other wrestlers would rally round the family and ensure that the three kids and her unborn baby are catered for. He said: “We want you to speak up and let us know where to help the family now, especially the school fees of your children.
Lion man died after stepping out of the ring in Sunday’s fight with Mr. Peace in the undercards of the world tourney held in Lagos.