Team Nigeria Goes 4-for-4 in Casablanca Opener
by IDNN Sports Desk
Team Nigeria began their 2025 African Wrestling Championships campaign in dominant fashion, claiming all four gold medals available on Day One of competition in Casablanca, Morocco.
In the women’s freestyle category, Christianah Ogunsanya (53kg), Esther Kolawole (62kg), Dami Ojo (59kg), and Hannah Reuben (76kg) each struck gold, underlining Nigeria’s enduring dominance on the continental wrestling stage.
Individual Brilliance Across the Mat
- Christianah Ogunsanya, competing in the 53kg class, cruised through her bracket before outclassing Tunisia’s Samira Bensalah in the final.
- Esther Kolawole showcased technical mastery in the 62kg division, dispatching Morocco’s Nabila Zarouk in the gold medal match.
- Dami Ojo earned her first African gold in the 59kg category after a tense final against Cameroon’s Edwige Ngnite.
- Hannah Reuben, returning to top form after injury setbacks, dominated the 76kg class with a powerful display against Algeria’s Amina Benkarroum.
Coach Purity Akuh: “We’re Not Done Yet”
Head coach Purity Akuh praised the athletes’ focus and preparation:
“This is just Day One. We came here for total domination. The girls have set the tone. Our Greco-Roman and men’s freestyle wrestlers are ready.”
🇳🇬 Momentum for World Stage
Nigeria’s perfect start puts them top of the medal standings and boosts morale ahead of tougher bouts in the men’s divisions. The performance also strengthens Olympic qualification prospects for multiple athletes ahead of the 2025 World Championships.
More medals are expected in the coming days as Team Nigeria chases its biggest African haul in over a decade.
