The local champion

Tega walked faster, like he was wont to do when he had so many things on his mind. He could not believe that Okiemute that small boy, had challenged him to a wrestling match. The atmosphere in the village had reached fever pitch and it was said that Owofasa was even collecting bets. It had been 5 years since his last match and his muscles were not as strong as they used to be. His small hut was already filled with his friends and family when he got there.

"I told you, you should have been practising!" that was his Uncle, Uvie.

"Now, that small boy, have you seen the muscles on him? they said he lifted Robo the other day." Robo was the heaviest women in the village, and it was said that she weighed more that a wheel barrow full of yams.

"They say he trains from morning till night, and he eats only cassava, he is as strong as an ox" chirped in his aunt.

"I saw his thighs, hard like yams...."

"And you, you are almost 40, Okiemute has not even marked his 20th birthday"

Tega, ignored their comments and sat at this usual chair in the corner, he took his pipe out, and began to stuff it.

"Is that really wise, at this time?

"I think you should not wrestle, you are too old"

"Should you be smoking? Okiemute does not smoke, they say his lungs are as clear as the Odewe river"

Tega looked around the room, he could have been vexed with their comments but he knew that they only said these things because they were worried for him.

"Go home, good people, all you have heard are tales, let not the appearance of Okiemute fool you, did anybody actually see him lift Robo?"

"No, we did not but he said he did it, and I believe him, why would he lie?" replied his aunt.

To be continued....