Nigeria Shines At African Senior Wrestling Championship
Oru Leonard
Team Nigeria has once again proven its prowess in wrestling, topping the medal table at the 2025 African Senior Wrestling Championships in Casablanca, Morocco. The contingent claimed an impressive 10 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze medals, solidifying Nigeria’s position as a wrestling powerhouse.
Women’s Freestyle Success
Multiple African champion Mercy Genesis led the charge, securing gold in the 50kg category with an 11-0 victory over Algeria’s Cheima Chebila. Adijat Idris (55kg) and Jumoke Adekoye (59kg) also claimed gold medals, defeating Algerian Achouak Tekouk and Egyptian Rahma Hosafy Bediwy, respectively. Ebipatei Mughenbofa (65kg) and Ebi Biogos (72kg) completed the sweep, beating South African Cara Plessis and Congolese Rosie K. Tabora.
Men’s Freestyle Highlights
Stephen Izolo made history by becoming the first Nigerian male to win the African championship in four years, claiming gold in the 65kg men’s freestyle event with a 5-1 victory over Tunisia’s Farouk Jelassi. Tope Adebayo (70kg) and Ebierelayefa Andrew (74kg) secured bronze medals, defeating Morocco’s Otmane Bahja and South Africa’s Jesse Burger Christiaan.
Medal Tally
- 10 Gold Medals
- 1 Silver Medal (Ebikeme Newlife, 92kg)
- 2 Bronze Medals (Tope Adebayo, 70kg; Ebierelayefa Andrew, 74kg)
Nigeria’s dominance in wrestling continues to bring pride to the nation, showcasing the country’s exceptional talent and dedication to the sport.
