2025 African Wrestling Championship: Nigeria dominates podium on Day 1

Posted : 04 May 2025

It was a total dominance and ecstasy for Team Nigeria at the ongoing African Senior Wrestling Championships in Casablanca, Morocco, as the nation's women wrestlers swept all four gold medals they competed for, except for Adekuoroye Mercy in the 57kg category, who fell ill and had to be pulled out of the tournament.

Heading into the championship, which Nigeria has dominated for more than a decade, particularly in women's freestyle, the athletes knew the pressure on them, knowing that legendary wrestlers like Blessing Oborodudu and Odunayo Adekuoroye would not be part of the contingent.

However, Christianah Ogunsanya in the 53kg category set the ball rolling for Nigeria, outclassing Ivorian Nogona Bakayoko 11-0 to clinch the country's first gold and her third African title.

Similarly, in the 62kg category, Esther Kolawole outperformed Egyptian Farah Ali Hamada Mohamed Hussein 10-0 to win her third African title.

Also, Damola Hannah Ojo followed the gold-winning trajectory with a 6-0 victory over Ivorian Amy Youin.

In the concluding bout of day one, Hannah Reuben (68kg) dispatched Mariam Nasr Mosbeh Mesbah of Egypt 11-0 to make it four gold medals for Nigeria.

Reacting to the victory in Morocco, the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Honourable Daniel Igali, who led the delegation, 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 on this trajectory, Nigeria should be hopeful of many gold medals,” Igali stated.

“I thank Nigerians, particularly the National Sports Commission led by Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade, and the Bayelsa State government, among others, for always supporting our activities. We hope to make everyone proud when the final matches resume,” Igali said.

Honourable Igali also specifically singled out the outstanding support of the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi MFR, for his contribution to supporting the athletes and complementing the Federation's efforts.

Meanwhile, Mercy Genesis (50kg), Adijat Idris (55kg), Ebipatei Mughenbofa (65kg), Jumoke Bukola 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 bouts resume on Sunday.

2025 African Wrestling Championship: Nigeria dominates podium on Day 1

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