Nigeria Earns Commendation for Dominant Opening at African Wrestling Championships

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Egypt, Musa Dauda CDA, has lauded the exceptional performance of Team Nigeria on the opening day of the Senior African Wrestling Championships in Alexandria, Egypt.

The Nigerian contingent delivered a commanding display, securing four out of a possible five gold medals in the women’s wrestling events on Friday, significantly bolstering the nation’s bid to retain its title and potentially claim a remarkable 15th African championship, particularly in women’s wrestling.

Speaking to journalists in Alexandria, Ambassador Dauda expressed his astonishment and immense pride at the team’s impressive showing, particularly against the host nation. “This is the spirit of Nigeria; I’m extremely proud of what they have done. I never knew Nigeria had this force in wrestling,” he stated. He added that efforts are underway to mobilise the Nigerian and student community in Egypt to provide “massive support” as the competition progresses into its crucial stages.

Ambassador Musa also commended the robust support provided by Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, to the team. He praised the Customs boss’s dedication to athlete welfare, describing it as “satisfying,” and pledged to reinforce this support through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Egypt.

According to a statement released on Friday evening by Promise Okotoko, Media Assistant for the NWF, Team Nigeria’s female wrestlers were in formidable form. Reigning African champion Esther Kolawole secured her fifth African title with a dominant 10-0 victory by superiority over South Africa’s Kately in the 62kg category.

Earlier, Ogunsanya Christianah clinched Nigeria’s first gold medal of the championship, defeating Nogona Bakayoko of Ivory Coast 7-1 in the 53kg event. Jumoke Adekoye continued the winning streak, dispatching her Algerian counterpart Achouak Tekouk 8-4 in the 57kg. Hannah Ojo further contributed to Nigeria’s gold medal tally, brilliantly outsmarting Pelagie Wilita of Cameroon 3-1 in the 73kg.

While Hannah Reuben added to the celebrations by securing a silver medal after a 6-0 pinfall victory over Kawiyatou Issifou of Benin, this result appears to contradict the earlier statement of winning four out of five gold medals. Further clarification on this specific result may be required. Nevertheless, the overall performance on day one has set a strong precedent for Team Nigeria’s pursuit of a 15th African women’s title.