Golden Girls: Nigeria’s Women Wrestlers Conquer Africa With Four-Gold Sweep

By Samuel Akpan

Nigerians in Egypt erupted in celebration on Friday as the national female wrestling team powered to four out of five possible gold medals on the opening day of the African Wrestling Championships in Alexandria.

Ogunsanya Christianah set the tone by claiming Nigeria’s first gold, defeating Nogona Bakayoko of Ivory Coast 7-1 in the 53kg category.

Jumoke Adekoye kept the momentum rolling with an 8-4 victory over Achouak Tekouk of Algeria in the 57kg division, while reigning African champion Esther Kolawole crushed Katelyn Swan of South Africa 10-0 in the 62kg to secure her fifth continental title.

Hannah Ojo sealed the fourth gold with a gritty 3-1 win against Pelagie Wilita of Cameroon in the 73kg class.

Hannah Reuben completed Nigeria’s medal haul by pinning Kawiyatou Issifou of Benin 6-0 to earn silver, as the country maintained its chase for a 15th African women’s title.

Nigeria Wrestling Federation President Bashir Adeniyi said: “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 added.

He commended the dedication and passion shown by the athletes in his first African Championships since taking over leadership of the federation last year.

Adeniyi, who also serves as Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, dedicated the golds to the inspirational role of First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

“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,” he said.

Persecondnews reports that action resumes on Saturday, May 2 with the men’s freestyle events and the continuation of the women’s wrestling programme.