Accra, March 12, 2024 – Daniel Igali, the President of Nigeria Wrestling Federation, says hard work was the key to the success of Nigerian wrestlers at the African games.
Nigeria won 6 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze medals at the wrestling event at the 13th African games on going in Ghana.
In the women`s free style event, Mercy Genesis started the medal haul by defeating Mohamed Nada of Egypt in the 50kg. Christiana Ogunsanya won Nigeria`s second gold when she defeated Bakayoko Nogona of Cote d’Ivoire in the 53kg.
Nigeria`s medal haul continued when Commonwealth gold medallist, Odunayo Adekuoroyo, scored a technical knockout against Zinab Hassounne of Morocco in the 57kg.
Other winners are Blessing Oborodudu who defeated Blandine Nyeh Ngiri of Cameroon in the 68kg, Esther Kolawole defeated Gharan Askar of Egypt in the 62kg, while Hanna Rueben defeated Amy Youin of Cote d’Ivoire in the 76kg.
“I’m so excited for the girls because they worked very hard for this tournament and are preparing for the Olympic qualifiers next week, “ Igali said.
The federation’s president said he was optimistic that the male and female athletes will qualify for the Olympic Games.
Christiana Ogunsanya, gold medal winner in the 53kg, said she was happy to win the medal in her first appearance at the African Games.
“I give God the glory for this victory. It’s my first outing in the African Games and I am sure I will qualify for the Olympic Games,’’ she said..
The Head Coach, Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Purity Akuh, said the athletes worked so hard to win the 6 gold medals.
“I had predicted that we will make it six over six at the African Games. We worked so hard and we thank the president of our federation for his support in ensuring that we prepared well for the Games, “ Akuh said. (GBN)
