Team Nigeria Win 4 Gold On Day 1 African Senior Wrestling Championships

An atmosphere of joy and excitement enveloped Nigeria as the nation secured four out of five possible gold medals in the female wrestling events on Friday.

Reigning African champion Esther Kolawole dominated the 62kg category, defeating Katelyn Swan of South Africa with a commanding 10-0 victory, marking her fifth African title.

Earlier, Ogunsanya Christianah claimed Nigeria’s first gold of the Championship by defeating Nogona Bakayoko of Ivory Coast 7-1 in the 53kg category.

Jumoke Adekoye continued the winning streak by overcoming her Algerian opponent Achouak Tekouk 8-4 in the 57kg.

Similarly, Hannah Ojo impressed by outsmarting Pelagie Wilita of Cameroon with a score of 3-1 in the 73kg, bringing Nigeria’s gold tally to four on the first day of the Championship as the country pursues its 15th African women’s title.

In addition, Hannah Reuben contributed to the jubilant atmosphere by securing a silver medal after a pinfall victory over Kawiyatou Issifou of Benin, winning 6-0.

Reacting to the victories, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, expressed his satisfaction with the wrestlers’ performances.

Adeniyi, attending his first African Wrestling Championships as President since assuming leadership last year, commended the dedication and passion of the female wrestlers for bringing honour and joy to the nation.

“It’s a great time to be in Alexandria. The national anthem was played five times, and Nigeria’s anthem was played four out of those five,” he stated.

“We feel immensely proud to be flying the flag of Nigeria high. Congratulations to the girls who have made us proud.”

Bashir Adeniyi, who also serves as Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, dedicated the gold medals won thus far to the remarkable role played by Her Excellency, First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in inspiring young women across the country to pursue and achieve their dreams.

“I must congratulate Her Excellency, the First Lady, Remi Tinubu, for the inspiration she has provided to Nigerian women, encouraging them to excel in whatever they do. These women have chosen sports as a means of transformation. I also want to congratulate all Nigerians for this achievement,” Adeniyi added.

Meanwhile, wrestling events will continue on Saturday, featuring men’s freestyle wrestlers alongside ongoing women’s competitions.