Tinubu hails Team Nigeria’s record 15th African wrestling title
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Team Nigeria following their dominant performance at the 2026 African Wrestling Championships in Alexandria, Egypt, where the country clinched a record 15th continental title in the women’s category.
Nigeria delivered an impressive showing, winning 8 gold and 2 silver medals in the women’s division. Across all categories, the team secured a total of 9 gold, 4 silver, and 3 bronze medals, underlining its strength and depth in the sport.
Describing the victory as significant, Tinubu said it was “a statement of consistency, discipline, and national pride,” adding that Nigeria’s wrestlers have once again proven their dominance on the continent.
The President praised standout performers including Mercy Genesis, Adijat Idris, Esther Asaolu, and Mercy Adekuoroye, noting that their performances “combined skill with composure.”
He also commended Harrison Onovwiomogbhwo for his victory in the men’s freestyle category, while acknowledging the broader team effort from Ebierelayefa Andrew, Stephen Akintewe, Dideikemei Erefagha, Solomon Ulabo, and Saviour Egoli. He emphasized that “championships are won not only by standout moments but by collective effort.”
Tinubu attributed the success to ongoing reforms in the sports sector, highlighting the work of the National Sports Commission led by Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade.
“This is how a sporting nation grows, not by accident, not by chance, but by design,” the President said. “By building systems that identify talent early, nurture it patiently, and prepare it deliberately for moments like this.”
He added that the performance signals a promising future for Nigerian wrestling, noting that it reflects “an emerging pipeline of athletes who are not only winning today but are being prepared to compete and succeed at even higher levels in the years ahead.”
