Team Nigeria achieved a remarkable feat at the ongoing African Games in Ghana on Sunday, clinching all six gold medals in the female wrestling events. The triumph began with Mercy Genesis securing Nigeria's first wrestling gold medal in the 50kg category, sparking a wave of success for the team.
Led by Olympic silver medalist Blessing Oborodudu, the Nigerian wrestlers dominated their opponents. Oborodudu, serving as the team captain, defeated Blandine Nyeh Ngiri of Cameroon with a score of 14-4. Following her lead, multiple world medalist Odunayo Adekuoroye secured another gold medal by pinning down Zineb Hassoune of Morocco.
The victory parade continued with Commonwealth champion Mercy Genesis triumphing over Mohamed Nada of Egypt with a score of 7-0. Making her African Games debut, Ogunsanya Christiana displayed exceptional skill in the 53kg category, defeating Nogona Bakayoko of Cote d’Ivoire with a score of 11-0. Hannah Reuben added to Nigeria's joy by defeating Amy Youin of Cote d’Ivoire in her match.
President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali, expressed pride in the athletes' hard work and dedication, crediting their success to rigorous training and commitment. He also thanked Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa for his unwavering support, which contributed to the athletes' outstanding performance. The wrestling events will continue on Monday with the men's freestyle wrestlers taking to the mat. Additionally, Nigerian badminton champion Anioluwapo Opeyori secured a gold and a silver medal in the badminton event on Sunday, further highlighting Nigeria's success at the African Games.
