‎Nigeria Wins 15th African Women’s Wrestling Title; Harrison Takes Men’s Gold

By Emmanuel Kwada

‎Team Nigeria delivered a commanding performance at the African Wrestling Championships, securing the women’s title for a record 15th time and underlining the country’s enduring dominance in the sport across the continent.

‎The Nigerian women’s team captured eight gold medals and two silver medals out of ten events contested, producing a near-perfect campaign that combined tactical discipline, explosive power, and technical superiority.

‎This latest triumph adds another chapter to Nigeria’s storied history in African women’s wrestling and reinforces the team’s position as the benchmark for excellence on the continent.

‎Following a highly successful opening day that yielded four gold medals out of five available, the team maintained relentless momentum on the final day.

‎Commonwealth champion Mercy Genesis opened the session with a controlled and dominant 6-0 victory over Tunisia’s Chahrazed Ayachi.

‎Adijat Idris continued the charge in the 55kg category, overpowering Tunisia’s Lobna Ichaoui 8-0, while Esther Asaolu cruised to a 10-0 technical victory against Egypt’s Mariam Mosbeh in the 59kg division.

‎Mercy Adekuoroye completed the gold medal sweep in the women’s events with a clinical pinfall win over Central African Republic’s Lec Hej Marlyne Ande in the 65kg class.

‎The only setback in an otherwise flawless women’s campaign came in the 72kg final, where Ebi Biogos was forced to settle for silver after a closely fought contest against Tunisia’s Zaineb Sghaier, losing 6-2 despite holding the advantage with just 35 seconds remaining.

‎In the men’s freestyle category, Harrison Onovwiomogbhwo provided the standout individual highlight for Nigeria, defeating Egyptian home favourite Mohamed Mostafa 10-4 to claim gold in a high-quality bout that showcased superior wrestling intelligence and finishing ability.

‎The men’s team also recorded notable performances, with Ebierelayefa Andrew and Stephen Akintewe earning silver medals in their respective categories after competitive losses to strong Egyptian opponents.

‎Additional bronze medals came through Dideikemei Erefagha, who recorded a dominant 12-0 win, Solomon Ulabo with a 6-0 pinfall victory, and Saviour Egoli, who advanced on technical criteria in a 5-5 thriller. These results enabled the men’s team to secure third place overall and a podium finish.

‎Nigeria’s overall success at the championships reflects months of rigorous preparation, strategic depth across weight categories, and the emergence of consistent performers capable of delivering under pressure on the continental stage.

‎The eight gold medals in the women’s division, achieved through several commanding shutout victories and technical superiorities, demonstrate the depth and quality within the Nigerian squad.

‎This record-extending 15th title not only celebrates the current generation of wrestlers but also honours the legacy of sustained excellence that has defined Nigerian women’s wrestling in Africa.

‎As the sport continues to grow across the continent, Nigeria’s latest achievement sets a high standard for future competitions and boosts confidence ahead of upcoming international assignments.

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