Six Nigerian women wrestlers triumphantly displayed skill, determination, and sheer dominance at the 13th African Games held in Ghana. They delivered a Mother’s Day gift to the nation by clinching six gold medals across various categories. These athletes’ performances proved their exceptional talent on the mat and highlighted the country’s prowess on the continental stage.
The medal-winning spree began with the 50kg category, where Mercy Genesis triumphed over her Egyptian counterpart. The seasoned athlete defeated Mohammed Nada in a flawless 7-0 victory. Making her African Games debut, Ogunsanya Christiana displayed total dominance in the 53kg category. Ogunsanya outclassed her Ivorian opponent, Nogona Bakayoko, with a remarkable 11-0 win.
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Following the streak, Odunayo Adekuroye secured another gold medal in the 57kg category. She defeated Zineb Hassoune of Morocco via pinfall in just 23 seconds. World Under 23 bronze medalist Esther Kolawole followed suit, winning a gold medal by technical superiority at her maiden African Games in the women’s 62 kg category.
Blessing Oborodudu’s victory over Blandine Nyeh Ngiri of Cameroon in the 68kg freestyle category brought Nigeria’s tally to five in the women’s wrestling category. Blessing displayed prowess and technical mastery, commanding a score of 14-4. Hannah Reuben brought the celebrations to a crescendo after her victory over Amy Youin of Ivory Coast. She won via a 10-0 score after years of being in the shadows of Egypt’s Samar Hamza.
These women’s victories significantly increased Nigeria’s medal haul at the 13th African Games. Nigeria has amassed seven gold medals and is placed fourth, while Egpyt currently leads the medal table with thirty-six gold medals.
In a press release issued on Sunday, the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali, commended the performance of the Nigerian wrestlers. He said, “I’ve been very impressed with the way they wrestled, and I think if they continue on that trajectory, Nigeria will be hopeful of many gold medals in the evening.”
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The 2023 African Games, which kicked off on March 8 and will conclude on March 23, will see more than 5,000 athletes compete in 29 sports disciplines.
Among these, eight sports will serve as qualifiers for the 2024 Paris Olympics.