World silver medalist, Odunayo Adekuoroye, Kadijat Idris, Ebikewenimo Welson, and John Ogbonna won gold medals at the end of Day One maiden Baraza Champion of Champions wrestling tournament holding at the Ultra-modern Theatre of Wrestling Complex, Yenizue Gene in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
competing in a first bout in almost a year, defending Commonwealth champion, adekuoroye showed no sign of rustiness, by successfully defeating three of her opponents in the 57 kg class to bag gold.
six-time African champion defeated patience kakaga and Esther kolawole who stepped up to 57 kg, 10-0 via technical superiority, before dismissing Aboje isioma of Delta state by 2-0 via pin fall inside the first round.
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despite being away from competition for almost a year, the Ondo state wrestler appreciated the president of Nigerian wrestling federation, honorable Daniel igali for hosting the tournament.
“kudos to our president for organizing this tournament” she said “because if you are just training, training and acquiring knowledge without being to competitions, I think it is meaningless”
” the competition here has really added value to our wrestling and Preparation for the African championships and Olympic qualifiers as well”.
In the 50 kg category,youngster khadijat Idris caused a massive upset on a way to Victory.
the kogi state wrestler shockingly overcame former African silver medalist rosemary Enrique 1005 technical superiority before prevailing 72 over Christiana ogunsanya of oyo state in an exciting final to grab gold.
According to Ogbonna, the championship was an opportunity to showcase what he had been practising during the lockdown for almost a year of inactivity to maintain his form.
“During the lockdown, we have been doing small, small things at home training gradually. Even in my personal house, I do the train. It is not easy to leave wrestling like that for a long time.
“I thank God because it’s being a long time since I last won gold. It’s another testimony, and I am grateful for that,” he stated.
© ControlTV 2021.
