The 40th edition of the African Wrestling Championships concluded in Casablanca, Morocco, with Nigeria placing second behind Egypt in the overall medal standings. Team Nigeria won a total of 12 medals, comprising 10 gold, one silver, and one bronze. The Nigerian women’s team dominated the freestyle category, clinching nine of the 10 gold medals available.
Women’s Freestyle Dominance
The Nigerian women’s team was the standout performer, with gold medallists including Mercy Genesis (50kg), Christianah Ogunsanya (53kg), Adijat Idris (55kg), Jumoke Adekoye (59kg), Esther Kolawole (62kg), Ebipatei Mughenbofa (65kg), Hannah Rueben (68kg), Ebi Biogos (72kg), and Damola Ojo (76kg). The only gold medal not won by Nigeria in that category went to Algeria’s Chaimaa Aouissi in the 57kg event.
Men’s Freestyle Medals
Nigeria’s sole gold in the men’s freestyle came from Stephen Izolo in the 65kg category, where he defeated Tunisia’s Farouk Jelassi. Tope Adebayo earned a bronze in the men’s 70kg freestyle, after falling short against Tunisia’s Khairiddine Ben Tlili and Egypt’s Mohamed Elsayed Ahmed. Meanwhile, Ebikeme Newlife won the team’s only silver in the 92kg class, finishing behind Cameroon’s Cédric Abossolo.
Overall Performance
Nigeria’s impressive performance at the championships was only surpassed by Egypt, who amassed 24 medals comprising 11 gold, eight silver, and five bronze. The championships also featured age-grade competitions in the U-20 for juniors and U-17 for cadets categories, with Nigeria not participating in both.
Conclusion
The African Wrestling Championships showcased Nigeria’s wrestling prowess, with the team finishing second behind Egypt. The Nigerian women’s team dominated the freestyle category, while the men’s team won medals in various weight classes. The championships served as a platform for Nigerian wrestlers to demonstrate their skills and talent, and the team’s performance is a testament to their hard work and dedication. With this impressive showing, Nigeria’s wrestlers are sure to continue making waves in the sport.