SUNDAY May 4, 2025 |
By thenewsdesk.ng

It was a total dominance with ecstacy for Team Nigeria at the ongoing African Senior Wrestling Championships in Casablanca, Morocco, as the nation’s women wrestlers swept all four gold medals they competed for, except Adekuoroye Mercy, 57kg, who fell ill and had to be pulled out of the tournament.

Heading into the championship which Nigeria has dominated for more than a decade, particularly in women’s freestyle, the athletes knew the sort of pressure on them, having in mind legendary wrestlers like Blessing Oborodudu and Odunayo Adekuoroye will not be part of the contingent.

However, Christianah Ogunsanya, in the 53kg, set the dice rolling for Nigeria, outclassing Ivorian, Nogona Bakayoko, 11-0 superiority to clinch country’s first gold and her third African title.

Similarly, in the 62kg, Esther Kolawole outperformed Egyptian, Farah Ali Hamada Mohamed Hussein, 10-0 superiority to win her third africa title.

Also, Damola Hannah Ojo followed the gold winning trajectory with a 6-0 victory over Ivorian, Amy YOUIN.

In a concluding bout for day-one, Hannah Reuben, 68kg dispatched Mariam Nasr Mosbeh MESBAH of Egypt 11-0 superiority to make it four gold for Nigeria

Reacting to the victory in Morocco, the President, Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Honourable Daniel Igali, who led the delegation, expressed satisfaction with the performance, stressing that the athletes gave their all.

“I’ve been very impressed with the way they wrestled, and I think if they continue in that trajectory, Nigeria should be hopeful of many gold medals.

“I thank Nigerians, particularly the National Sports Commission, led by Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade and the Bayelsa State government, among others, for always supporting our activities and we hope to make everyone proud later when the final matches resume”, Igali said.

Also, honourable Igali specifically singled out the outstanding support of the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi MFR, to the athletes in complimenting the Federation’s efforts.

Meanwhile, Mercy Genesis, 50kg, Adijat Idris 55kg, Ebipatei MUGHENBOFA 65kg, Jumoke Bukola ADEKOYE 59kg, and Ebi BIOGOS, 72kg will compete in Day-two for the women’s freestyle

Stephen Izolo 65kg, Ebikeme Newlife 92kg, Oluwafemi Jackson 86kg, and Saviour Egoli 61kg will hope to add to the gold sweep for Team Nigeria in the men’s freestyle bout.