Team Nigeria Off To Strong Start with Four Golds At African Championships

Team Nigeria Off To Strong Start with Four Golds At African Championships

By Admin 

Nigeria delivered an outstanding performance on the opening day of the African Senior Wrestling Championships, securing four gold medals in the women’s events and setting a strong tone for the competition.

Leading the charge was reigning African champion Esther Kolawole, who reaffirmed her dominance in the 62kg category with a commanding 10-0 superiority victory over South Africa’s Katelyn Swan. The win marked Kolawole’s fifth continental title, further cementing her status as one of Africa’s elite wrestlers.

Nigeria’s gold medal haul began with Christianah Ogunsanya, who triumphed in the 53kg division. She defeated Ivory Coast’s Nogona Bakayoko 7-1 in a confident display that set the pace for her teammates.

Jumoke Adekoye maintained the momentum in the 57kg category, overcoming Algeria’s Achouak Tekouk with an 8-4 victory. In the 73kg division, Hannah Ojo added to Nigeria’s tally, edging Cameroon’s Pelagie Wilita 3-1 in a closely contested bout.

The team’s impressive showing brought Nigeria closer in its pursuit of a 15th African women’s wrestling title.

Hannah Reuben contributed to the medal count by clinching silver after defeating Benin’s Kawiyatou Issifou by pinfall, adding further depth to Nigeria’s strong opening-day performance.

Reacting to the results, President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, expressed satisfaction with the athletes’ performances. Attending his first African Championships as federation president, Adeniyi praised the wrestlers’ commitment and determination.

“It’s a great time to be here in Alexandria. Five national anthems were played, and Nigeria’s anthem rang out four times,” he said. “We are proud to be flying the nation’s flag high. I congratulate the athletes for making the country proud.”

Adeniyi also dedicated the victories to Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, acknowledging her role in inspiring young women across the country.

“I commend Her Excellency for motivating Nigerian women to pursue excellence. These athletes have chosen sports as a pathway to achieve their dreams,” he added.

The championships continue on Saturday, with men’s freestyle events scheduled alongside ongoing women’s competitions.