African Wrestling Championships: Team Nigeria sweep four gold medals in day one
Team Nigeria on Saturday won four gold medals in day one in the women’s category of the the ongoing African Senior Wrestling Championships in Casablanca, Morocco.
Christianah Ogunsanya in the 53kg set the dice rolling for Nigeria, outclassing Ivorian Nogona Bakayoko 11-0 to clinch Nigeria’s first gold medal and her third African title.
In the 62kg Esther Kolawole outperformed Egyptian Al Mohamed Husseni 10-0 to win her third Africa title.
Damola Ojo followed the gold winning trajectory with a 6-0 victory over Ivorian Amy Youin.
In a concluding bout for day-one, Hannah Reuben in 68kg category dispatched Mariam Mesbah of Egypt 11-0 to make it four gold for Nigeria.
Reacting to the victory in Morocco, President of Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali, who led the delegation, expressed satisfaction with the performance, stressing that the athletes gave their best.
He said, “I’ve been very impressed with the way they wrestled, and I think if they continue in that trajectory, Nigeria should be hopeful of many gold medals. I thank Nigerians, particularly the National Sports Commission led by Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade and the Bayelsa government among others for always supporting our activities. We hope to make everyone proud later when the final matches resume.”
Mr Igali singled out the outstanding support of the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, to the athletes in complementing the federation’s efforts.
Meanwhile, Mercy Genesis, 50kg, Adijat Idris, 55kg, Ebipatei Mughenbofa, 65kg, Jumoke 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 bout resumes on Sunday.
The 2025 African Senior Wrestling Championships which started on April 29 in Casablanca, Morocco is expected to end on May 4.
NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Tinubu advised me never to negotiate with criminals, Gov Ododo says
“I don’t play with criminals, and I don’t negotiate with them. I can tell you that, as far as Kogi State is concerned, we don’t have a department for ransom payment,” he said.
Heading 1
U.S. has spent $37.5 billion on Iran war: Hegseth
“The estimate we have as of today is $37.5 billion,” Mr Hegseth said.
Lagos
Slain Lagos NURTW organising secretary buried amid tears
Mr Ajiboye died days after he was attacked by gunmen.
Africa
144 refugees, migrants dead, missing off Mauritania coast: UNHCR
“The refugees and migrants were reported dead or missing after attempting the perilous sea journey from West Africa towards Europe,” the agency said.
World
U.S. govt condemns Ortega’s ban on elections in Nicaragua
Mr Rubio urged the international community to rise against Mr Ortega’s dictatorship.
World
Zelensky sacks Ukraine’s top general after firing defence minister
Mr Syrskyi’s dismissal came days after Mr Zelensky fired Ukraine’s defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, a decision that sparked protests across the country.
