RismadarVoice Reporters, May 4, 2026
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Team Nigeria for its outstanding performance at the 2026 African Wrestling Championships in Alexandria, Egypt, where the country secured a record 15th continental title.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the achievement as a reflection of discipline, consistency, and national pride.
He noted that Nigeria’s wrestlers have continued to assert dominance on the African stage through sustained excellence and teamwork.
Team Nigeria delivered an impressive medal haul, winning eight gold and two silver medals in the women’s division, and finishing with a total of nine gold, four silver, and three bronze medals across all categories.
Among the standout performers were Mercy Genesis, Adijat Idris, Esther Asaolu, and Odunayo Adekuoroye, whose displays were praised for combining technical skill with composure. In the men’s category, Harrison Onovwiomogbhwo was singled out for his victory in the freestyle event.
Tinubu also acknowledged the contributions of other team members, stressing that the success was a collective effort rather than individual brilliance. He attributed the victory to ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s sports ecosystem, including improved athlete development, structured training systems, and long-term planning.
“This is how a sporting nation grows — not by accident, but by design,” the President said, emphasising the importance of nurturing talent and building sustainable systems for future success.
The President further praised the Nigeria Wrestling Federation for maintaining the country’s dominance in the sport and urged the athletes to remain disciplined as they prepare for future international competitions.
According to him, the triumph in Alexandria reinforces Nigeria’s status as a powerhouse in African wrestling and signals a promising pipeline of athletes capable of competing on the global stage.
