Nigeria Wins 15th African Women’s Wrestling Title As Harrison Claims Men’s Gold

Nigeria once again underlined its dominance in African women’s wrestling, emerging overall winners in the women’s category at the African Wrestling Championships in Alexandria, Egypt.

Team Nigeria secured eight gold and two silver medals out of 10 events to clinch the title for a record 15th time.

Following an impressive Day One outing, where the team won four of the five available gold medals, Commonwealth champion Mercy Genesis set the tone on Day Two, defeating Tunisia’s Chahrazed Ayachi 6–0 to kick-start another wave of victories.

Adijat Idris (55kg) maintained the momentum, overpowering Tunisia’s Lobna Ichaoui 8–0 to add another gold medal.

In the 59kg category, Esther Asaolu dominated Egypt’s Mariam Mosbeh with a 10–0 victory to secure Nigeria’s third gold of the night.

Mercy Adekuoroye (65kg) wrapped up the women’s gold rush with a clinical pinfall win over Central African Republic’s Lec Hej Marlyne Ande.

However, Ebi Biogos had to settle for silver in the 72kg final after losing 6–2 to Tunisia’s Zaineb Sghaier, despite being in control of the bout with 35 seconds remaining.

In the men’s freestyle category, Harrison Onovwiomogbhwo provided the standout moment by defeating Egyptian home favourite Mohamed Mostafa 10–4 to win Nigeria’s only gold medal in that division.

Earlier, Nigeria’s Ebierelayefa Andrew lost to Egypt’s Omar Mohamed by pinfall in the 74kg category, while Stephen Akintewe (65kg) also fell to Egypt’s Shehabeldin Emam, with both wrestlers settling for silver medals.

Dideikemei Erefagha claimed bronze in the 70kg category with a 12–0 win over Chad’s Elie Djekoundakom, while Solomon Ulabo secured another bronze after defeating Madagascar’s Totiana Razafinjato 6–0 by pinfall in the 79kg.

In the 61kg category, Saviour Egoli edged Tunisia’s Mustapha Batnini 5–5 on technical criteria to add to Nigeria’s bronze tally.

The men’s team finished third overall, securing a podium place.