Senegal, once again, proved its dominance in traditional wrestling in the West African sub-region as it defeated hosts, Nigeria 4-1 in the team final to win the 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament in Abuja on Saturday.
The competition, which was held between 6th and 8th March, 2025, at the Velodrome package A of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, also marked ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary, featured eleven countries participating nations, as the 3-day tournament saw wrestlers battled each other for the ultimate and coveted prize which was eventually won by the Senegalese team.
Sporting Tribune reports that while Nigeria started strong in the final, it met superior firepower in stronger and more experienced Senegalese wrestlers. The Senegalese secured victories in the 66kg, 86kg, 100kg, and 120kg weight categories and Nigeria managed a single win in the 76kg division. Nigeria, however, showed remarkable progress as it improved on its third-place finish in 2023 to claim silver as tournament host.
While Senegal claimed the overall team title, Nigerian wrestlers made their mark in individual categories. Ebipatei Lienbofa secured gold in the 66kg division with a victory over Senegal’s Safietou Goudiaby, and it is the same for Ebi Bigos, who triumphed over Ivorian Youin Amy in the 76kg final.
Nigeria’s neighbour, Benin Republic, came third after grounding an impressive 5-0 result against their Guinean counterparts. The Beniniose rolled over Guinea across all weight categories in the third-place match, displaying in depth strength, grit and determination.
Director of the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre, Francis Chuks Njoaguani, commended the high level of competition and the unity promoted by the tournament.
“This was a remarkable improvement for Nigeria. Moving from third to second in just one edition shows growth and determination. Senegal may have won, but Nigeria proved they are a rising force in West African wrestling. Beyond the competition, the tournament served as a cultural and sporting milestone.
“Senegal proved they are the best in West African wrestling, but this competition is bigger than winning. It’s about celebrating our heritage and the strength of our region. This was a fitting way to mark ECOWAS at 50,” Njoaguani stated.
While Senegal received $10,000 for their efforts, runners-up Nigeria took home $6,000 and third-placed finishers Benin were awarded $3,000.
In the individual events, gold medalists earned $2,000, silver medalists received $1,500, and bronze medalists got $1,000.
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