Team Nigeria dominated the African Senior Wrestling Championships in Morocco, winning four gold medals in women’s freestyle wrestling. Christianah Ogunsanya, Esther Kolawole, Damola Hannah Ojo, and Hannah Reuben highlighted the strong performances, although Adekuoroye Mercy had to withdraw due to illness. The Nigeria Wrestling Federation acknowledged the athletes’ efforts and expressed optimism for future competitions.
Nigeria has put on an impressive display at the African Senior Wrestling Championships in Casablanca, Morocco, snagging four gold medals. The country’s women wrestlers stood out remarkably, except for Adekuoroye Mercy in the 57kg class, who unfortunately fell ill and had to withdraw from the competition altogether. Historically, Nigeria has been dominant in women’s freestyle wrestling, a pressure point the athletes were fully aware of, especially considering the absence of legends like Blessing Oborodudu and Odunayo Adekuoroye.
Christianah Ogunsanya kicked off the gold medal wins for Nigeria in the 53kg category. She showcased her skills, decisively defeating Ivory Coast’s Nogona Bakayoko with an impressive 11-0 score. Following her lead, Esther Kolawole in the 62kg class also dominated, beating Egyptian competitor Farah Ali Hamada MohamedHUSSEIN with a 10-0 victory, marking her third African title.
Continuing the trend, Damola Hannah Ojo delivered another strong performance in her bout, defeating another Ivorian, Amy YOUIN, 6-0, as the gold medals kept coming in. Concluding the day, Hannah Reuben in the 68kg category made it a perfect four for Nigeria, administering an 11-0 victory against Mariam Nasr Mosbeh MESBAH of Egypt.
In response to this remarkable performance, Honourable Daniel Igali, President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, who was on hand to lead the delegation, voiced his satisfaction. He noted the athletes’ remarkable effort and expressed optimism about Nigeria’s chances for further gold medals moving forward. “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,” Igali remarked.
Igali also took a moment to extend his gratitude to all those who support Nigerian wrestling, particularly recognizing the National Sports Commission and the Bayelsa State government. He also highlighted special assistance from the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi MFR.
Looking ahead, several other athletes are set to compete in the women’s freestyle on Day Two. Mercy Genesis (50kg), Adijat Idris (55kg), Ebipatei MUGHENBOFA (65kg), Jumoke Bukola ADEKOYE (59kg), and Ebi BIOGOS (72kg) will take to the mat, striving to add to Nigeria’s medal tally. Meanwhile, the men’s freestyle wrestlers, including Stephen Izolo (65kg), Ebikeme Newlife (92kg), Oluwafemi Jackson (86kg), and Saviour Egoli (61kg), are poised to do the same when their bouts resume on Sunday.
In summary, Nigeria’s women wrestlers displayed exceptional skill and determination at the African Senior Wrestling Championships, capturing all four gold medals available, with one noteworthy exception due to illness. The victory led to commendable reactions from the Nigeria Wrestling Federation’s president, who emphasized the athletes’ potential for a successful tournament. As more competitions unfold, there is a clear sense of hope and anticipation for continued success in the days ahead.
Original Source: blueprint.ng
