Eight gold medals power Team Nigeria to victory in Alexandria as men secure podium finish

By Ifeoma Onyekachi

A commanding performance by Nigeria’s female wrestlers has propelled the country to overall victory at the 15th African Wrestling Championships in Alexandria, Egypt, reaffirming its dominance on the continental stage.

Team Nigeria sealed the title after topping the women’s category with an outstanding haul of eight gold and two silver medals from the 10 events contested, securing a record-extending 15th championship win.

While the women stole the spotlight, the men’s team also delivered a commendable showing, finishing third overall to ensure a podium place for the country.

In the men’s bouts, Andrew Ebierelayefa fell short in the 74kg category, losing by pinfall to Egypt’s Omar Mohamed, while Stephen Akintewe settled for silver in the 65kg after defeat to Shehabeldin Emam, also of Egypt.

There were, however, bronze medal successes for Nigeria, with Dideikemei Erefagha overpowering Chad’s Elie Djekoundakom 12-0 in the 70kg, and Solomon Ulabo defeating Madagascar’s Totiana Razafinjato 6-0 by pinfall in the 79kg. Saviour Egoli added another bronze in the 61kg, edging Tunisia’s Mustapha Batinini on a technical 5-5 scoreline.

The championship, which began on April 27 and concludes on Sunday, featured Nigeria competing with a squad of 18 athletes 10 women and eight men across various weight categories, further underlining the country’s depth in wrestling across both divisions.