After missing out on the podium finish in the table tennis event of the 13th African Games, Team Nigeria made a remarkable comeback on Day 3 of the event. The team claimed seven gold medals, elevating the country’s position in the medals table. The triumphant day was marked by a gold medal from Badminton and six gold medals from wrestling.
Victory in badminton and wrestling
African Games champion Anuoluwapo Opeyori set the tone for Team Nigeria by defending his men’s singles title in the badminton event. He defeated compatriot Godwin Olofua 2-1 in the final, winning Nigeria’s first gold at the ongoing edition of the games in Ghana.
The wrestling event was a showcase of Nigerian dominance. Mercy Genesis clinched a gold medal in the women’s 50kg freestyle by defeating Egyptian wrestler Nada Mohammed. Genesis dominated from start to finish, winning the bout 7-0. Her exceptional technique and grit left her opponents with no room for maneuvers.
Christiana Ogunsanya, (in photo above), known for her strategic approach in the 53kg division, also joined the gold medal tally. She defeated her Ivorian opponent, Bakayoko 11-0, marking the country’s second gold medal in the wrestling event on Sunday.
Three-time Commonwealth champion, Adekuoroye Odunayo, needed only 24 seconds to defeat her opponent Zineb Hassoune, securing a victory by fall (6-0) to clinch the third gold medal for Nigeria in the 57kg finals.
Esther Kolawole, in her first African Games outing, showcased her impressive wrestling skills in the 62kg category to claim the country’s fourth gold medal in the wrestling event. She won the final against her opponent by technical superiority.
Legendary Blessing Oborududu, a multiple African Champion and Olympic silver medalist, won Nigeria’s fifth gold medal after defeating her Cameroonian opponent Ngiri 14-4 in the 68kg finals. Completing the medal sweep on Sunday was Hannah Reuben, who wrestled her way to victory in the 76kg category.
Reacting to the feats, the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali, applauded the sensational performance of Nigerian Wrestlers. He expressed satisfaction with the incredible outing by the girls and stated, “I’ve been very impressed with the way they wrestled and I think if they continue in that trajectory Nigeria should be hopeful of many many gold medals in the evening.”
Igali also praised President Bola Tinubu for his magnanimity towards sportsmen and urged the President to reward athletes who excel at the games. He added, “The President has set a precedent of rewarding silver medalists because that’s what he did with the Super Eagles at AFCON and I hope that would be extended. I’m happy that these wrestlers are now eligible for such gesture, which will serve as more motivation for other athletes across the country.”
With unwavering determination and potential, Team Nigeria has showcased remarkable performance at the 13th African Games. As we continue to support and recognize their efforts, we can look forward to a bright and promising future for Nigerian sports.
