Nigeria opens medal account at World Wrestling Series as Ogunsanya claims bronze

Posted : 05 June 2026

Nigeria recorded its first podium finish at the ongoing 3rd World Wrestling Series in Mongolia as reigning African champion, Ogunsanya Christianah, secured a bronze medal to boost the country's campaign at the prestigious tournament.

Ogunsanya battled past Mongolia's Bayanmunkh on technical criteria after a closely contested 6-6 encounter to clinch the bronze medal and hand Team Nigeria its first medal of the competition.

The multiple African champion had earlier announced her arrival in style, overpowering Mongolia's Tsovoo Gankhuyag 10-0 by superiority before suffering a setback against Japan's Kiyooka M., who recorded a 10-0 superiority victory in the subsequent round.

Nigeria came close to adding another medal through Commonwealth champion Genesis Mercy, but the wrestler narrowly missed out on a podium finish after a 2-7 defeat to Turkey's Evin Demirhan in the bronze-medal bout.

Reacting to the performance, Nigeria's women's wrestling coach, Akuh Purity, expressed satisfaction with the team's showing, describing Ogunsanya's medal as evidence that Nigerian wrestlers can compete among the world's elite.

"First and foremost, I give thanks to Almighty God for this medal. This achievement proves that Nigeria can compete with the world's leading wrestling nations and top athletes," Purity said.

The coach noted that both wrestlers and technical officials have gained valuable experience from the competition, adding that the lessons learned would be instrumental in preparations for future international events, particularly the 2028 Olympic Games.

Purity also appreciated the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, for facilitating the team's participation in the tournament.

With Day One concluded, Team Nigeria's attention now turns to Saturday's events, where Esther Kolawole and Damola Hannah Ojo will aim to add to the country's medal haul.

The coaching crew is expected to review performances and make necessary adjustments in pursuit of more podium finishes.

The successful opening day provides a solid foundation for the remainder of the tournament as the contingent gains momentum on the global stage. With key athletes scheduled to compete next, the federation remains optimistic about increasing the nation's medal count and solidifying its standing in international wrestling.

Nigeria opens medal account at World Wrestling Series as Ogunsanya claims bronze

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