Team Nigeria asserted its dominance at the ongoing African Senior Wrestling Championships in Casablanca, Morocco, as the country’s female wrestlers secured four gold medals in a thrilling display of skill and determination. However, the team’s hopes for a fifth gold were dashed as Adekuoroye Mercy (57kg) had to withdraw due to illness.
Despite missing two of Nigeria’s legendary wrestlers—Blessing Oborodudu and Odunayo Adekuoroye—the team rose to the occasion, maintaining the nation’s decade-long supremacy in women’s freestyle wrestling.
Leading Nigeria’s charge, Christianah Ogunsanya (53kg) outclassed Ivorian Nogona Bakayoko with an 11-0 superiority win, securing her third African title. Esther Kolawole (62kg) followed suit, overpowering Egypt’s Farah Ali Hamada Mohamed Hussein with another commanding 10-0 victory to claim her third title.
Damola Hannah Ojo (62kg) kept the momentum going, defeating Ivorian Amy Youin 6-0 to add another gold to Nigeria’s tally. Hannah Reuben (68kg) wrapped up the day’s victories with a dominant 11-0 triumph over Egypt’s Mariam Nasr Mosbeh Mesbah, bringing Nigeria’s total gold count to four.
Reacting to the stellar performance, Nigeria Wrestling Federation President, Honourable Daniel Igali, expressed pride in the athletes, commending their resilience and commitment.
“I’ve been very impressed with their performance. If they maintain this trajectory, Nigeria can look forward to many more gold medals,” Igali stated.
He also acknowledged the support of key stakeholders, including the National Sports Commission, the Bayelsa State government, and Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi MFR, for their invaluable contributions to the federation’s success.
The competition continues with Mercy Genesis (50kg), Adijat Idris (55kg), Ebipatei Mughenbofa (65kg), Jumoke Bukola Adekoye (59kg), and Ebi Biogos (72kg) set to compete in day two of the women’s freestyle event. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s male wrestlers—Stephen Izolo (65kg), Ebikeme Newlife (92kg), Oluwafemi Jackson (86kg), and Saviour Egoli (61kg)—will aim to extend the nation’s gold streak when the men’s freestyle matches resume on Sunday.
