Nigeria open African wrestling champs with four gold medals News

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Nigeria open African wrestling champs with four gold medals

By Daily Sports Nigeria on May 2, 2026

Nigeria made a dominant start to the African Senior Wrestling Championships in Alexandria, sweeping four gold medals on the opening day of the women’s events on Friday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The country won four of the five available gold medals, underlining its intent in the race for continental supremacy, as reigning African champion Esther Kolawole led the charge with a commanding display.

Competing in the 62kg category, Kolawole overpowered South Africa’s Katelyn Swan 10-0 by superiority to clinch her fifth African title, reinforcing her status as one of the continent’s leading wrestlers.

Earlier, Ogunsanya Christianah set the tone for Nigeria’s strong start, winning the nation’s first gold of the competition.

She defeated Nogona Bakayoko of the Ivory Coast 7-1 in the 53kg category with a controlled and disciplined performance.

Jumoke Adekoye continued the winning momentum in the 57kg division, securing a solid 8-4 victory over Algeria’s Achouak Tekouk to add another gold to Nigeria’s tally.

In the 73kg category, Hannah Ojo completed the quartet of victories, edging Pelagie Wilita of Cameroon 3-1 after a composed display that ensured Nigeria maintained its clean sweep across the weight classes.

Nigeria’s dominance extended beyond gold medals, with Hannah Reuben also making the podium after winning silver in her category following a 6-0 defeat by pinfall against Kawiyatou Issifou of Benin.

The results ensured Nigeria ended the opening day with four gold medals and one silver, setting an early pace in the women’s wrestling competition.

Reacting to the performance, President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation Bashir Adeniyi described the achievement as a moment of national pride, praising the athletes for their discipline and commitment.

“It’s a great time to be in Alexandria, five times the national anthem was played and Nigeria’s anthem was played four out of the five times,” he said as quoted by the NWF media.

“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.”

Adeniyi, who is attending his first African Wrestling Championships as federation president since taking office last year, also dedicated the success to the support system around women’s sport in Nigeria.

He praised Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her role in inspiring young women across the country to pursue excellence.

“I must say congratulations to Her Excellency, First Lady of Nigeria, Remi Tinubu, for the inspiration she has given to Nigerian women to excel in whatever they do,” he said.

“These women have chosen sport as an avenue for transformation. I want to also congratulate all Nigerians for this feat.”

Wrestling action continues today, with men’s freestyle events scheduled to begin, alongside further women’s competitions as Nigeria aim to extend their strong start to the championship.

Source Punch Ng

Posted May 2, 2026