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By: Peter Akinbo
Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, has praised the Daniel Igali-led Nigerian Wrestling Federation following the exceptional performances of Nigeria’s wrestlers at the African Senior Wrestling Championship in Alexandria, Egypt, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The wrestlers dominated the championship, claiming a plethora of medals to continue their stellar form from the African Games in Accra, Ghana.
At the African Games, all six women’s events gold medals were claimed by Team Nigeria while the men won three silver and two bronze medals. In Egypt, they have since secured four gold and one silver under coach Purity Akuh’s guidance.
In a statement, Senator Enoh expressed profound admiration for the leadership of the federation, as well as the exemplary dedication of the athletes and officials.
“In dominating two continental events in two weeks, the Nigerian Wrestling team has demonstrated extraordinary dedication and unmatched abilities,” the statement read.
“Their remarkable achievements not only bring pride to our nation but also serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the country. The Nigeria Wrestling Federation continues to shine as a beacon of excellence and their triumphs on the continental stage make us all proud as Nigerians.”
Olympic silver medalist, Blessing Oborududu, after her impressive gold medal-winning performance in Ghana, stepped up once again to win gold in Alexandria, beating Egypt’s Osman Badran 12-2 by a superior decision to win her 14th African crown in the 68kg freestyle category.
Odunayo Adekuoroye claimed her ninth gold at the African Championship in the 57kg freestyle category beating Egypt’s Chaimaa Aouissi by pin fall. In the 53kg category, Christianah Ogunsanya made light work of Tunisia’s Chahrazed Ayachi 10-0 to also win gold.
Esther Kolawole claimed her second Senior Africa Wrestling Championships title with an 11-0 win over Egypt’s Farah Hussein while in the 76kg final, Hannah Reuben lost 12-2 to Egypt’s Zainab Sghair, and had to settle for silver.