From Our Correspondent
Daniel Igali, the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, says hard work is the key to the success of Nigerian wrestlers at the African Games.
TheNewsZenith reports that Nigeria won six gold, three silver and two bronze medals. They won the medals at the wrestling event at the ongoing 13th African Games in Ghana.
Mercy Genesis started the medal haul in the women’s freestyle event by defeating Mohamed Nada of Egypt in the 50kg.
Christiana Ogunsanya won Nigeria`s second gold when she defeated Bakayoko Nogona of Cote d’Ivoire in the 53kg.
Nigeria`s medal haul continued when Commonwealth gold medallist, Odunayo Adekuoroyo scored technical knockout against Zinab Hassounne of Morocco in the 57kg.
Other winners are Blessing Oborodudu who defeated Blandine Nyeh Ngiri of Cameroon in the 68kg, Esther Kolawole, who defeated Gharan Askar of Egypt in the 62kg while Hanna Rueben defeated Amy Youin of Cote d’Ivoire in the 76kg.
“I’m so excited for the girls because they worked very hard for this tournament and are preparing for the Olympic qualifiers next week,” Igali said.
The federation’s president said he was optimistic that the male and female athletes would qualify for the Olympic Games.
Christiana Ogunsanya, gold medal winner in the 53kg, said she was happy to win the medal in her first appearance at the African Games.
“I give God the glory for this victory. It’s my first outing in the African Games and I am sure I will qualify for Olympic Games,’’ she said.
The Head Coach of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Purity Akuh, said the athletes worked hard to win the six gold medals.
“I had predicted we would make it six over six at the African Games.
“We worked so hard and we thank the president of our federation for his support in ensuring that we prepared well for the Games,” Akuh said.
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