After missing out on the podium finish in the table tennis event of the 13th African Games, Team Nigeria on Sunday claimed seven gold medals on Day 3 of the event.
A gold medal from Badminton and six gold medals from wrestling ensured the country moved up in the medals table.
African Games champion Anuoluwapo Opeyori opened the floodgate for Team Nigeria after beating compatriot Godwin Olofua 2-1 in the final to defend his men’s singles title in the badminton event and won Nigeria’s first gold at the ongoing edition of the games in Ghana.
In the wrestling event, Mercy Genesis defeated Egyptian wrestler Nada Mohammed to clinch a gold medal in the women’s 50kg freestyle.
Genesis dominated from start to finish to win the bout 7-0
The Nigerian has shown no mercy to her opponents in Ghana as she continually displays exceptional technique and grit, leaving her opponents with no room for manoeuvres.
Christiana Ogunsanya, who has been captivating audiences with her strategic approach in the 53kg division, also hopped on the gold medal train in a one-sided dominance.
Ogunsanya defeated her Ivorian opponent, Bakayoko 11-0 to win the country’s second gold medal in the wrestling event on Sunday.
Three-time Commonwealth champion, Adekuoroye Odunayo, only needed 24 seconds to defeat her opponent Zineb Hassoune, securing a victory by fall (6-0) to clinch the third gold medal for Nigeria in the 57kg finals.
Joining the party was Esther Kolawole, who showcased her impressive wrestling skills in the 62kg category to claim the country’s fourth gold medal in the wrestling event.
Kolawole, in her first African Games outing, won the final against her opponent by technical superiority.
Legendary Blessing Oborududu, a multiple African Champion and Olympic silver medalist, won Nigeria’s fifth gold medal after defeating her Cameroonian opponent Ngiri 14-4 in the 68kg finals.
Completing the medal sweep on Sunday was Hannah Reuben, who wrestled her way to victory in the 76kg category.
Reacting to the feats, the President Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali, applauded the sensational performance of Nigerian Wrestlers.
Igali, who was impressed with the emphatic victory, expressed satisfaction with the incredible outing by the girls.
“I’ve been very impressed with the way they wrestled and I think if they continue in that trajectory Nigeria should be hopeful of many many gold medals in the evening”, Igali stated.
“I thank Nigerians particularly the Bayelsa State Government for always supporting our activities and we hope to make everyone proud later when the final matches resume”.
Igali also praised President Bola Tinubu for his magnanimity towards sportsmen.
The former Olympian urged the President to reward athletes who excel at the games.
“The President has set a precedent of rewarding silver medalists because that’s what he did with the Super Eagles at AFCON and I hope that would be extended”, he added.
“I’m happy that these wrestlers are now eligible for such gesture, which will serve as more motivation for other athletes across the country”.
