Team Nigeria’s camp was filled joy and excitement after the wrestlers swept four out of five possible gold medals on day one at the ongoing African Senior Wrestling Championship on Friday
VDCInsights reports that reigning African champion, Esther Kolawole in the 62kg dominantly defeated Katelyn Swan of South Africa 10-0 superiority to record her 5th African title.
Earlier, Ogunsanya Christianah won Nigeria’s first gold at the Championship, beating Nogona BAKAYOKO of Ivory Coast 7-1 in the 53kg.
Jumoke Adekoye followed the winning trajectory by dispatching her Algerian counterpart Achouak
TEKOUK 8-4 in the 57kg.
Similarly, Hannah Ojo did not dissapoint as she brilliantly outsmart Pelagie
WILITA of Cameroon 3-1 in the 73kg to make it four gold for Team Nigeria in day 1 of the championship as the country maintains 15th African women title chase
Lastly, Hannah Reuben added more celebration to the already agog atmosphere by securing silver medal over Kawiyatou ISSIFOU of Benin 6-0 pinfal
Reacting to the victory, the President Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Adewale Adeniyi , expressed satisfaction with the level of display shown by the wrestlers
Adeniyi, who is attending his first African Wrestling Championships as President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, since taking over leadership last year commended the dedication and passion of the girls to bring honour and joy to the country
According to him “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.”
He stated “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 also the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, dedicated the gold medals won so far to the remarkable role the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, plays in motivating young women all over the country to dream and achievement their dreams
He said “I must say congratulations to 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”.
Meanwhile, wrestling event continues on Saturday as men freestyle wrestlers take to the mat while there is a continuation of women wrestling.
…Nigeria’s Ambassador To Egypt Thumbs Up Team Nigeria’s Performance
The Nigeria’s Ambassador to Egypt, Musa Dauda CDA, has lauded the performance of Team Nigeria on day 1 of the senior category in the ongoing African Wrestling Championships in Alexandria, Egypt.
The team on Friday delivered a commanding performance in the qualifying rounds to set up four finals and still counting as the country maintains a good chance of retaining its title, making it 15th African titles, particularly in women wrestling.
The Ambassador, speaking to journalists in Alexandria, said he was wowed with the impressive display of the team, stressing that he did not expect such a show even against the host nation.
According to him “This is the spirit of Nigeria, I’m extremely proud of what they have done. I never knew Nigeria had this force in wrestling.”
He added “We have started mobilising the Nigerian and student community in Egypt, and we believe the support would be massive going into the crucial stages.”.
Ambassador Musa also commended the level of support from the Nigeria Wrestling Federation President, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to the contingent.
Describing the Customs boss passion for the athlete’s welfare as satisfying while he pledged to consolidate through the Ministry of foreign affairs to Egypt.
Meanwhile, the Ambassador was joined by Ishaya Garba Senchi, Nigeria Minister Economic Trade and Investment to Egypt and Aisha Mustapha Head of Chancery to cheer Team Nigeria
