Nigerian Wrestlers’ Impressive Start At 2025 Senior African Championships Excites NSC

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has praised Team Nigeria’s commanding opening performance at the ongoing 2025 Senior African Wrestling Championships in Casablanca, Morocco, where the contingent secured four gold medals on the first day of competition.

Despite the withdrawal of Wrestler Mercy Adekuoroye due to illness, the Nigerian team delivered an impeccable display, with all four remaining athletes winning their respective finals to clinch gold for the country.

Christianah Ogunsanya (53kg), Esther Kolawole (62kg), Hannah Reuben (68kg), and Damola Ojo (76kg) achieved a clean sweep of victories, propelling Nigeria to the top of the medal standings on the opening day.

Ogunsanya set the tone early with a commanding performance, defeating Morocco’s Zineb Chabki 10-0 in the semi-final before securing gold. Kolawole followed suit with an equally dominant 10-0 victory over Senegal’s Safietou Goudialy in the final. Reuben’s 11-0 triumph over Egypt’s Mariam Mesbah showcased her strength and technical superiority, while Ojo concluded the evening with a confident performance in the 76kg category.

Director-general of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, expressed his delight at the team’s performance and commended the athletes for their resilience and excellence.

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“What our wrestlers are doing in Casablanca is nothing short of phenomenal. Winning four golds from four finals is a clear demonstration of Nigeria’s sustained pedigree in wrestling. We are proud of the athletes, the coaching crew, and the entire federation for this outstanding achievement,” said Olopade. “This is just the beginning, and we are confident that more medals will follow.”

The championship will continue until 4 May at the Complexe Sportif Mohammed V in Casablanca, Morocco, as Team Nigeria aims to build on its early momentum and maintain its position at the top of the leaderboard.