Team Nigeria recorded a clean sweep of gold medals on Sunday at the ongoing African Games in Ghana after six female wrestlers won in their various categories.

Mercy Genesis kick-started the gold medal rush, winning Nigeria’s first wrestling gold medal in the 50kg category.

Nigeria’s sweeping of all five gold medals at the female wrestling events created an atmosphere of joy and excitement.

Olympic silver medalist Blessing Oborodudu led by example as captain of the Nigerian wrestlers to defeat Blandine Nyeh Ngiri of Cameroon 14-4. Multiple world medalist Odunayo Adekuoroye followed in Blessing’s footsteps by beating Zineb Hassoune of Morocco with a pinfall.

Commonwealth champion and multiple African champion Mercy Genesis did not disappoint as she dispatched her Egyptian counterpart Mohamed Nada of Egypt 7-0.

African Games debutant Ogunsanya Christiana produced a dominant display in the 53kg to outclass her opponent Nogona Bakayoko of Cote D’Ivoire 11-0.

Hannah Reuben added more celebration to the agog atmosphere after she defeated Amy Youin of Core d’Ivoire.

While reacting, the president of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali, said the victory was a result of hard work and dedication.

Igali praised the female wrestlers for complementing their training efforts with an incredible show at the female event.

The president also thanked Governor Douye Diri for always supporting the athletes.

NAN reports that the wrestling event continues on Monday as men freestyle wrestlers take to the mat.

In a similar development, Nigeria’s Anioluwapo Opeyori, the African badminton champion, also won a gold and a silver medal in the Badminton event on Sunday.

Shortly after the events, the Minister of Sports Development, John Owan Enoh, congratulated the athletes and coaches on their impressive performances.

He encouraged the athletes to stay focused on winning while assuring them of the federal government’s commitment to sports development in all ramifications. 

(NAN)