Team Nigeria wrapped up its campaign at the 2025 African Senior Wrestling Championships in Casablanca with a show of strength and historic milestones, finishing with 10 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze medals in a dominant display across both the women’s and men’s divisions.
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The highlight of the tournament came from Stephen Simon Izolo, who broke a four-year gold medal drought in the men’s category by defeating Farouk Jelassi of Tunisia 5–1 in the 65kg freestyle final.
His victory marked Nigeria’s first male gold at the continental championships since 2021, sparking celebrations among the coaching crew and fans.
“This means everything to me and to Nigerian wrestling. I knew I had to make it count. I’m proud to make history today,” Izolo said, visibly emotional after his win.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian women’s team reaffirmed their dominance on the continent with a breathtaking performance, winning 9 out of the 10 gold medals in the women’s freestyle division — a feat made even more remarkable by the absence of top star Odunayo Adekuoroye, who was ruled out due to illness.
Day 2 started with Mercy Genesis setting the tone, claiming a swift 11–0 superiority win over Algeria’s Cheima Chebila in the 50kg category. That momentum continued as Adijat Idris (55kg) overcame Achouak Tekouk (Algeria), and Jumoke Adekoye (59kg) dismantled Egypt’s Rahma Bediwy 11–0.
The gold rush continued with:
Ebipatei Mughenbofa (65kg) beating South Africa’s Cara Duplessis 8–2
Ebi Biogos (72kg) outclassing Congo DR’s Rosie Tabora 12–5
These added to the Day 1 gold medalists:
Christianah Ogunsanya (53kg)
Esther Kolawole (62kg)
Dami Ojo (57kg)
Hannah Reuben (68kg)
In the men’s events, Ebikeme Newlife (92kg) fought bravely but had to settle for silver after falling to Cameroon’s Cedric Abossolo in the final.
Bronze medals came from:
Tope Adebayo (70kg) – defeated Morocco’s Otmane Bahja 6–1
Ebierelayefa Andrew (74kg) – beat South Africa’s Jesse Burger Christiaan 11–0
The results solidify Nigeria’s place as a wrestling powerhouse, showcasing not just consistency at the top, but a growing depth of talent across divisions.
With a total of 13 medals, including 10 golds, Nigeria’s wrestlers leave Casablanca as the undisputed queens and kings of African wrestling.
