2024 NSF: Nigeria's multiple gold medalist, Oborududu drop off mat after 19 years

Posted : 29 May 2025

2021 Tokyo Olympic silver medalist Blessing Oborududu has bid an emotional goodbye to wrestling after 19 years of active competition on the mat.

The 14-time African champion won her final bout to clinch gold for Bayelsa in the ongoing National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, ending an illustrious career.

The Bayelsa-born wrestler received an emotional farewell from her national teammates, accompanied by a standing ovation from fans, officials, and wrestling stakeholders.

In her farewell speech, an emotional Blessing Oborududu said, “I want to thank everyone who has been part of my journey—the Nigeria Wrestling Federation led by Daniel Igali and the board members, my teammates, and my family.

“After the Olympics, I thought of retiring, but the President suggested I retire officially at the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, where I made my first appearance as a young wrestler back in 2006.”

“I created a lot of memories, but my most memorable one was the Tokyo Olympics, which ignited hope across Africa because it was the first-ever medal won by an African woman in wrestling at the Olympics. I hope more will come for our future wrestlers,” Oborududu added.

In goodwill remarks, the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Honourable Daniel Igali, described Oborududu as an exceptional and consummate professional beyond being just an athlete.

“The kind of Blessing is not easy to come by, and not easy to replace. I get questions like, ‘How are you going to replace Blessing?’ The truth is you can’t replace Blessing. You might have another athlete, but not Blessing.

“That’s why I say it’s bittersweet, because the selfish part of you wants an athlete like this to compete forever. For you, it’s not just about having any athlete who does well, but one who has that mindset, discipline, and pure love for the sport. Most of these wrestlers you see stay with her in her house, and she takes care of them as a duty. She is like a big sister to them, and that, for me, is more than being a champion on the mat,” Igali stated.

Also, Hannah Reuben led the tribute from teammates, expressing her heartfelt admiration for Oborududu. She acknowledged her dedication, achievements, and impact, expressed gratitude for her years of service, and praised her as a great teammate and captain, wishing her well in her future endeavors.

2024 NSF: Nigeria's multiple gold medalist, Oborududu drop off mat after 19 years

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