Nigeria’s Wrestling Gold Rush!

Team Nigeria on Saturday won four gold medals in the women’s category on day one of 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 and her third African title.

In the 62kg Esther Kolawole outperformed Egyptian Al Mohamed Husseni 10-0  to win her third Africa title.

Damola Hannah 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 the 68kg category dispatched Mariam Mesbah of Egypt 11-0 to make it four gold medals for Nigeria.

Reacting to the victory in Morocco, the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation( NWF),  Daniel Igali, who led the delegation, expressed satisfaction with the performance, stressing that the athletes gave their all.

“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 governmen,t among othe,rs for always supporting our activites .

“We hope to make everyone proud later when the final matches resume,” Igali said.

Igali singled out the outstanding support of the Comptroller General of 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 on Day Two for the women’s freestyl.e

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.

NAN reports that the 2025 African Senior Wrestling Championships, which started on April 29 in Casablanca, Morocco, are expected to end on May 4 (NAN).