Nigerian Wrestlers Make History with Four Golds in NAIA Championships In USA

Nigerian Wrestlers Make History with Four Golds in NAIA Championships In USA

By Niyi Busari 

Four Nigerian wrestlers delivered an outstanding performance at the 2026 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Women’s Wrestling National Championships in the United States, securing four gold medals to underscore Nigeria’s growing prominence in the sport, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The championship featured more than 210 competitors across 10 weight categories, with athletes battling for top honours in one of the most competitive collegiate wrestling events in the U.S.

Christinah Ogunsanya set the tone in the 117-pound division, producing a dominant run marked by technical precision and experience to claim the gold medal.

Jumoke Adekoye followed suit in the 131-pound category, showcasing tactical discipline and resilience en route to clinching the शीर्ष spot in her division.

In the 138-pound class, Esther Kolawole stood out with a commanding performance that highlighted her strength and international pedigree. She led the competition in technical falls, underlining her dominance throughout the tournament.

Reacting to the achievement, Nigeria’s women’s national team wrestling coach, Akuh Purity, praised the athletes’ performances, noting that their success reflects the increasing influence of international wrestlers in the U.S. collegiate system.

She added that the victories earned the athletes NAIA All-American honours while bringing pride to their respective universities, Nigeria, and the Nigeria Wrestling Federation.