Nigerian Olympic silver medalist and twelve-time African wrestling champion, Blessing Oborodudu, will bid farewell to her illustrious career at the 2024 National Sports Festival in Ogun State, where the wrestling event kicks off today at the Obafemi Awolowo Square in Remo, Ikenne.
Oborodudu, who first competed at the Gateway Games in 2006 as a secondary school student, has chosen this festival to mark her retirement. Her journey began after standout performances in school inter-house wrestling competitions, earning her an invitation to the national camp in 2007 for the African Games. Despite initial resistance from her parents, who viewed wrestling as a male-only sport, Oborodudu drew inspiration from Canadian-Nigerian wrestler Daniel Igali, Nigeria’s first Olympic wrestling medalist, propelling her into the sport.
Since her debut loss at the 2006 Gateway Games, Oborodudu has dominated, clinching gold at every National Sports Festival she participated in: Kaduna 2009, Rivers 2011, Lagos 2012, Abuja 2018, Edo 2021, and Delta 2022. Her dedication and achievements have significantly elevated wrestling in Nigeria, making her a celebrated figure across Africa and beyond.
As Oborodudu steps onto the mat for her final competition on Wednesday, fans, Nigerians, and sports enthusiasts are urged to honor this legend with a rousing ovation. Her name will forever resonate as a symbol of passion, perseverance, and excellence in Nigerian sports history.
The wrestling event, starting Monday, will see various states vying for podium finishes, setting the stage for an exciting tournament.