The 13th edition of the ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament came to a spectacular close at the Velodrome, MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on Saturday, leaving a trail of excitement, cultural splendor, and breathtaking displays of traditional wrestling. The grand finale was nothing short of a spectacle, featuring scintillating cultural performances and electrifying bouts that kept the audience on the edge of their seats.
Senegal Claims Victory, Nigeria Shines in Women’s Wrestling
Team Senegal emerged as the overall champions of the tournament, clinching three gold medals and one silver. Nigeria secured a commendable second place with two gold and one silver, while Benin Republic finished third with one silver and one bronze.
Nigeria’s strong second-place finish was propelled by gold medal victories from Ebipatei Lienbofa and Ebi Bigos in the women’s 66kg and 76kg categories, respectively. The impressive performance of the female wrestlers did not go unnoticed, as National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, lauded their efforts during the tournament’s closing ceremony.
Tribute to Female Athletes and President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda
In his closing remarks, Mallam Shehu Dikko emphasized the pivotal role that female athletes have played in Nigeria’s sporting history.
“Today is women’s day, and we, as a Commission and as a nation, are incredibly proud of the resilience and determination of our female wrestlers. Over the years, Nigerian women have consistently lifted our sporting reputation, and they have done it again in this tournament. We salute our sportswomen—where would we be without them?”
He further highlighted that the female wrestlers’ achievements were a clear testament to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in sports development.
Commitment to Youth Empowerment Through Sports
Mallam Dikko reaffirmed the National Sports Commission’s commitment to sustained collaboration with key stakeholders to drive youth development through sports. He particularly emphasized the need for strategic synergy between the NSC and the Ministry of Youth Development to positively engage the nation’s youth.
“President Tinubu has given us a clear directive—there must be proper collaboration between government agencies to ensure our youth are fully engaged in sports. By working together, we can channel our energy into developing sports, creating opportunities, and ensuring that our youth not only stay active but also earn a livelihood through sports.”
He also hinted at Saudi Arabia’s growing interest in investing in Nigerian sports, particularly traditional sports, underscoring the immense potential for international collaborations in the sector.
Minister of Youth Development Pledges Support
The Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, expressed excitement over the abundance of raw sporting talent in Nigeria and pledged to work closely with the NSC to harness these potentials.
“I am proud to associate with the Chairman of the NSC, and I assure you that we are fully committed to revitalizing various sporting activities and improving our sports infrastructure for the benefit of all,” Olawande stated.
ECOWAS Applauds Nigeria’s Role in Hosting the Tournament
In her remarks, Professor Fatou Sow Sarr, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, represented by Ambassador Francis Chuks Njoaguani, commended the Nigerian government for successfully hosting the tournament. She urged all participants to uphold the values of unity, resilience, and excellence that were showcased throughout the three-day event.
Cash Prizes, Medals, and Awards
The tournament concluded on a celebratory note with the presentation of medals, trophies, and cash prizes to the top-performing teams:
🏆 Senegal – $10,000 (Overall Champions)
🥈 Nigeria – $6,000 (Second Place)
🥉 Benin Republic – $3,000 (Third Place)
The event was graced by top dignitaries, including Director-General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, and former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Sen. Shehu Sani.
With a blend of thrilling wrestling action, rich cultural heritage, and renewed commitment to youth empowerment, the 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament ended on a high note, setting the stage for even greater achievements in the future.
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