Nigeria wins 4 gold medals on Day 1 of African Senior Wrestling Championships

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It was an atmosphere of joy and excitement for Nigeria after sweeping four out of five possible gold medals in the female wrestling event on Friday.

Reigning African champion Esther Kolawole in the 62kg defeated Katelyn of South Africa 10-0 by superiority to record her 5th African title.

Earlier, Ogunsanya Christianah won Nigeria’s first gold at the Championship, beating Nogona Bakayoko of the Ivory Coast 7-1 in the 53kg. Jumoke Adekoye followed the winning trajectory by dispatching her Algerian counterpart Achouak Tekouk 8-4 in the 57kg.

Similarly, Hannah Ojo did not disappoint as she brilliantly outsmarted Pelagie Wilita of Cameroon 3-1 in the 73kg to make it four gold for Team Nigeria in day 1 of the championship as the country maintains its 15th African women’s title chase.

Lastly, Hannah Reuben added more celebration to the already agog atmosphere by securing a silver medal over Kawiyatou Issifou of Benin, 6-0 pinfall.

Reacting to the victory, the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, expressed satisfaction with the level of display shown by the wrestlers.

Adeniyi, who is attending his first African Wrestling Championships as President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, since taking over leadership last year, commended the dedication and passion of the girls to bring honour and joy to the country.

“It’s a great time to be in Alexandria, five times the National anthem was played, and Nigeria’s Anthem was played four out of the five times.

“We feel very proud to be flying the flag of Nigeria very high. I say congratulations to the girls who have done us proud.” He stated.

Adeniyi, who is also the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, dedicated the gold medals won so far to the remarkable role the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, plays in motivating young women all over the country to dream and achieve their dreams.

“I must say congratulations to Her Excellency, First Lady of Nigeria, Remi Tinubu, for the inspiration she has given to the Nigerian women to excel in whatever they do. These women are the ones who have chosen sports as an avenue for that transformation. I want to also congratulate all Nigerians for this feat”. Adeniyi said.

The wrestling event continues on Saturday as men’s freestyle wrestlers take to the mat, while there is a continuation of women’s wrestling.