African Wrestling Championship: Nigeria Shines On Day One Encounter, Wins More Gold
By: Olusegun Ajileye
Nigerian contingent for wrestling has on Saturday won four gold medals in the women’s category on day one of the ongoing African Senior Wrestling Championships in Casablanca, Morocco.
Christianah Ogunsanya in the 53kg opened the floor for Nigeria, outclassing Ivorian Nogona Bakayoko 11-0 to clinch Nigeria’s first gold and her third African title.
In the 62kg division, Esther Kolawole outshined Egyptian Al Mohamed Husseni 10-0 to win her third Africa title.
Damola Ojo followed the gold-winning trajectory with a 6-0 victory over Ivorian Amy Youin.
In a concluding bout for day one, Hannah Reuben in the 68kg category dispatched Mariam Mesbah of Egypt 11-0 to make it four gold medals for Nigeria.
While reacting to the victory in Morocco, the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Daniel Igali, 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 government, among others, for always supporting our activities”
“We hope to make everyone proud later when the final matches resume,” Igali said.
Igali singled out the outstanding support of the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, to the athletes in complementing the Federation’s efforts.
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Meanwhile, Mercy Genesis, 50kg, Adijat Idris, 55kg, Ebipatei Mughenbofa, 65kg, Jumoke 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 when the men’s freestyle bout resumes on Sunday.
The 2025 African Senior Wrestling, which started on 29 April in Casablanca, Morocco, is expected to end on 4 May.
