Nigeria wins record 15th African Wrestling title, Tinubu hails team’s dominance
…bags 8 gold in women’s category …president praises discipline, depth, sports reforms President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Team Nigeria on its commanding performance at the 2026 African Wrestling Championships
...bags 8 gold in women’s category
...president praises discipline, depth, sports reforms
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Team Nigeria on its commanding performance at the 2026 African Wrestling Championships in Alexandria, Egypt, where the country clinched a record 15th continental title in the women’s category.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the feat as a powerful statement of consistency, discipline, and national pride, noting that Nigerian wrestlers have sustained their dominance on the African continent.
Team Nigeria secured 8 gold and 2 silver medals from 10 events in the women’s division, contributing to an overall haul of 9 gold, 4 silver, and 3 bronze medals across all categories.
Tinubu paid special tribute to standout performers, including Mercy Genesis, Adijat Idris, Esther Asaolu, and Mercy Adekuoroye, for displays he said combined “skill with composure.”
He also commended Harrison Onovwiomogbhwo for his “confident and assured victory” in the men’s freestyle category, alongside other contributors such as Ebierelayefa Andrew, Stephen Akintewe, Dideikemei Erefagha, Solomon Ulabo, and Saviour Egoli.
According to the President, the championship victory reflects not just individual brilliance but a collective effort anchored on improved structures and preparation within Nigeria’s sports ecosystem.
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“This is how a sporting nation grows: not by accident, not by chance, but by design—by building systems that identify talent early, nurture it patiently, and prepare it deliberately for moments like this,” Tinubu said.
He noted that ongoing reforms spearheaded by the National Sports Commission under Mallam Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade, in collaboration with federations and coaches, are beginning to yield tangible results through a performance-driven approach.
The President further commended the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, led by Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for sustaining Nigeria’s continental leadership and injecting renewed vigour into the sport.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports development as a vehicle for national cohesion, youth empowerment, and global representation, stressing that such victories carry significance beyond medals.
“Our athletes remind us of what is possible when focus meets preparation. They compete as individuals, but they win as Nigeria,” he added.
Tinubu urged the athletes to remain disciplined and focused as they prepare for future international competitions, assuring them of continued government support.
