Nigeria dominates Day One with four gold medals at African Senior Wrestling Championships

By Maxwell Kumoye 

 

Nigeria delivered a commanding performance on the opening day of the African Senior Wrestling Championships in Alexandria, sweeping four gold medals in the women’s events and setting an early tone in their quest for continental dominance.

Leading the charge was reigning African champion Esther Kolawole, who put on a masterclass in the 62kg category. 

She overwhelmed South Africa’s Katelyn Swan with a 10-0 superiority victory, securing her fifth African title in emphatic fashion.

Nigeria’s golden run began earlier in the 53kg division, where Christianah Ogunsanya claimed top honours after defeating Ivory Coast’s Nogona Bakayoko 7-1. 

The momentum continued as Jumoke Adekoye triumphed in the 57kg category, dispatching Algeria’s Achouak Tekouk 8-4.

In the 73kg division, Hannah Ojo showcased tactical brilliance to outwit Cameroon’s Pelagie Wilita 3-1, sealing Nigeria’s fourth gold medal of the day and reinforcing the team’s ambitions of securing a 15th African women’s title.

Adding to the celebratory mood, Hannah Reuben earned a silver medal after her bout against Benin’s Kawiyatou Issifou, further boosting Nigeria’s medal tally.

Nigeria Wrestling Federation President Bashir Adewale Adeniyi expressed delight at the team’s performance, praising the athletes’ dedication and fighting spirit. "It's a great time to be in Alexandria, five times the National anthem were 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 very high. I say congratulations to the girls who have done us proud." He stated.

Attending his first championships as president, Adeniyi described the moment as special, noting that Nigeria’s anthem echoed proudly across the venue multiple times.

He also dedicated the victories to Oluremi Tinubu, acknowledging her role in inspiring Nigerian women to pursue excellence.

"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.

Competition continues on Saturday, with the men’s freestyle events set to begin alongside further women’s bouts, as Nigeria looks to build on an already impressive start.