Sports
Three Nigerian Female Wrestlers For U.S. Championship
Secretary, Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Ahmed Abdullahi says three Nigerian wrestlers will represent the country at the U.S. Invitational Wrestling Championship on May 16.
Abdullahi told Tideports source yesterday in Abuja that the athletes were training hard ahead of the championship.
Abdullahi gave the names of the wrestlers as 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medallists, Blessing Oborududu, Odunayo Adekuoroye and 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Aminat Adeniyi.
Tidesports source reports that Oborodudu won gold in 2018 Commonwealth Games by defeating Canada’s Danielle Lappage in the women’s 68kg wrestling freestyle event.
She came from behind to defeat her Canadian counterpart on points (4-3) to claim gold for Nigeria.
Adekuoroye also won gold in wrestling women’s 57kg at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
She was victorious for Nigeria in the freestyle event, having defeated Indian Pooja Dhanda in the final.
Adekuoroye defeated her rival by 7-5 points, the victory means she successfully defended her medal won at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
“Oborududu, Adekuoroye and Adeniyi will leave Nigeria on May 13 for the Invitational Wrestling championship in U.S.
“The championship will hold from May 16 to May 18, and currently, our athletes are in camp and are training day and night for the championship.
“ Oborodudu and Mercy Genesis are training in Bayelsa, while Adeniye and Odunaye are also training in Ondo,’’ he said.
Abdullahi expressed optimism that the trio would perform well in the competition.
On Nigerian wrestlers’ performance at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, Abdullahi said their level of preparation and constant supervision of the athletes helped.
“Our level of preparation stood us out at the Commonwealth Games.
“We always prepare ahead of time and our president, Daniel Igali, being a former champion in wrestling, also ensured constant supervision of the athletes.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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