RismadarVoice Reporters, May 2, 2026
Nigeria made a powerful statement on the opening day of the African Senior Wrestling Championships in Alexandria, clinching four gold medals in the women’s events to underline its dominance on the continent.
Leading the charge was reigning champion Esther Kolawole, who delivered a commanding performance in the 62kg category on Friday 1st May, 2026. She overwhelmed South Africa’s Katelyn Swan with a 10-0 victory to secure her fifth African title.
Nigeria’s gold rush began in the 53kg division, where Christianah Ogunsanya defeated the Ivory Coast’s Nogona Bakayoko 7-1 to claim top honours. The momentum continued in the 57kg category as Jumoke Adekoye overcame Algeria’s Achouak Tekouk 8-4.
In the 73kg event, Hannah Ojo displayed tactical discipline to edge Cameroon’s Pelagie Wilita 3-1, sealing Nigeria’s fourth gold medal of the day and reinforcing the team’s ambition of securing a 15th continental women’s title.
Nigeria’s medal haul was further boosted by Hannah Reuben, who claimed silver after her bout against Benin’s Kawiyatou Issifou.
President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, praised the athletes for their performances, describing the outing as a proud moment for the country.
“It’s a great time to be in Alexandria. Five times the national anthem was played, and Nigeria’s anthem was played four of those times,” he said. “We are proud to be flying Nigeria’s flag high. I congratulate the athletes for making the nation proud.”
Attending his first championships as president, Adeniyi described the experience as special and dedicated the victories to Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, citing her role in inspiring women to excel.
Meanwhile, Team Nigeria’s campaign continues with key bouts across both men’s and women’s categories. In the men’s 61kg division, Saviour Egoli is set to face Egypt’s Hassan Mohamed Elshahat Mohamed Elsayed in a challenging opening contest.
Attention will also be on defending champion Mercy Genesis, who begins her title defence in the women’s 50kg category against Chancelvie Gomba of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
With a strong start already secured, Nigeria will be aiming to build momentum as the championships progress, with eyes firmly set on further podium finishes and continental glory.
