Team Nigeria claimed seven gold medals in Wrestling and Badminton on Day 3 of the Ongoing 2023 All-African Games in Ghana.
A gold medal from Badminton Number One player in Africa, Anuoluwapo Opeyori and six gold medals from wrestling ensured the country moved up in the medals table. Anuoluwapo opened the floodgate for Team Nigeria after beating compatriot, Godwin Olofua 2-1 in the final to defend his Men’s singles title in the badminton event and won Nigeria their first Gold.
In the Wrestling event, Mercy Genesis defeated her Egyptian Opponent, Nada Mohammed to clinch a Gold medal in the women’s 50kg freestyle. She dominated the bout as she won 7-0.
Another Nigeria Wrestler, Christiana Ogunsanya also defeated her opponent 11-0 in the 53kg division as she won Team Nigeria’s second Gold Medal in Wrestling.
Three-time Commonwealth Champion, Adekuoroye Odunayo clinched Nigeria’s Third Gold Medal within twenty-four seconds to defeat her Moroccan opponent, Zineb Hassoune, securing a victory by fall (6-0) in the 57kg finals. In the 62kg Wrestling Category, Debutant, Esther Kolawole showcased her Wrestling skills as she won Nigeria’s Fourth Gold Medal.
Olympic Silver Medalist and Multiple African Champion, Blessing Oborududu won Nigeria’s fifth gold medal after defeating her Cameroonian opponent, Ngiri 14-4 in the 68kg finals. Hannah Reuben completed the 6th Gold Medal in the 76kg category.
The President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali while reacting to the medals achieved by the wrestlers praised the performance of women “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.” “I thank Nigerians particularly the Bayelsa State Government for always supporting our activities and we hope to make everyone proud later when the final matches resume.”
Igali also praised President Bola Tinubu for his magnanimity towards sportsmen. He urged the President to reward athletes who excel at the games as he did with the Super Eagles in the 2023 African Cup of Nations in Coted’Ivoire.
Team Nigeria has now moved up to 4th on the Table with 7 Gold Medals, 7 Silver Medals and 12 Bronze Medals.
