Sports in the Igbo culture include: Wrestling, boxing, judo, swimming, cricket, basketball, handball, and soccer.

Wrestling is the most popular sport in the Igbo culture. Wrestling settles disputes and status in the tribe. There are inter-village wrestling competitions and they are held at night. Wrestling is a practice and acknowledgement of skill and strength as well as promotion of values and traditions. Before the wrestling season, young men that will be competing train for months. A young man who is victorious in traditional wrestling is respected by all, being seen as a warrior.

Sports are a part of ceremonies in the Igbo culture. Only men participate in the sports and there are different classes for every sport.

1. Mkpufu Mgba- Ages 15-18

2. Isogu- Ages 18-28

3. Ikpo- Ages 28-30, this is the highest grade.

Sports in the Igbo culture are a competion of strength among others. It shows manliness in young males and it boosts their social status. It also decides marriage suitor.

In the book, Things Fall Apart Okonkwo became famous and respected after being victorious against the greatest wrestler of all time, Amalinze the Cat.

"Okwonkwo was well known throughout the villages and beyond. His fame rested on solid personal achievements. As a young man of 18 he had brought honor to his village by throwing Amalinze the Cat. Amalinze was the great wrestler who did seven years was unbeaten, from Umuofia to Mbaino." (Achebe 3)

"Quick as The lightning of Amadiora, Okafo raised his right leg and swung it over his rival's head. The crowd burst into a thunderous roar. Okafo was swept off his feet by his supporters and carried home shoulder high. They sang his praise and the young women clapped their hands" (Achebe 50)

"Who will wrestle for our village? (Achebe 51)

"Okafo will wrestle for our village." (Achebe 51)

"Has he thrown a hundred men?" (Achebe 51)

"He has thrown four hundred men." (Achebe 51)

"Has he thrown a hundred Cats?" (Achebe 51)

"He has thrown four hundred Cats." (Achebe 51)

"Then send him word to fight for us." (Achebe 51)

Okafo is now seen as superior for winning a wrestling match and is respected among the other people.

Works Cited

"The Igbo traditional wrestleing >> facts.ng. " 10 nov. 2014. Web. 24 mar. 2017.

"Igbo." Countries and Their Cultures. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2017.

"Nigerian Sports." Emaze Presentations. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2017.

"Book Review:The Joys Of Motherhood by Buchi Emechetta." Wikinut. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2017.

"Book Review:The Joys Of Motherhood by Buchi Emechetta." Wikinut. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2017.