From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
It was a total dominance with ecstasy for Team Nigeria at the ongoing African Senior Wrestling Championships in Casablanca, Morocco as the nation’s women wrestlers swept all four gold medals, they competed for except Adekuoroye Mercy in 57kg, who fell ill and had to be pulled out of the tournament.
The Nigerian contingent competed in the championship against the backdrop of over a decade of dominance, especially in women’s freestyle, even without the likes of Blessing Oborodudu and Odunayo Adekuoroye.
Christianah Ogunsanya in the 53kg set the dice rolling for Nigeria, outclassing Ivorian Nogona Bakayoko 11-0 superiority to clinch the country’s first gold and her third African title.
Similarly, in the 62kg Esther Kolawole outperformed Egyptian Farah Ali Hamada Mohamed Hussein 10-0 superiority to win her third African title.
Also, Damola Hannah Ojo followed the gold-winning trajectory with a 6-0 victory over Ivorian Amy YOUIN.
In a concluding bout for day one, Hannah Reuben 68kg dispatched Mariam Nasr Mosbeh MESBAH of Egypt 11-0 superiority to make it four gold medals for Nigeria.
Reacting to the victory in Morocco, President Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Hon Daniel Igali, who led the delegation, expressed satisfaction with the performance, stressing that the athletes gave their all.
“I’ve been very impressed with the way they wrestled, and I think if they continue in that trajectory, Nigeria should be hopeful of many gold medals,” Igali stated.
“I thank Nigerians, particularly the National Sports Commission led by Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade, and the Bayelsa State government, among others, for always supporting our activities, and we hope to make everyone proud later when the final matches resume,” Igali said.
He specifically singled out the outstanding support of the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, to the athletes in complementing the Federation’s efforts.