By Samuel Bamisebi
The Maiden Edition of the Baraza Champions of Champions Tournament in Yenegoa has already seen favorites pick up part of the available gold medals. World number two, Odunayo Adekuoroye as well as John Ogbonna and Welson Ebikewenimo all claimed gold in day one of the competition.
Odunayo Adekuoroye, the 6-time Ondo born African Champion lived up to her billing by defeating Patience Kakaga and Esther Kolawole, who stepped up to 57kg, 10-0 via a technical superiority, before defeating Delta State’s Aboje Isioma 2-0 via pinfall in the first round.
“Kudos to our President for organizing this competition, because if you are just training, training and acquiring knowledge without being to competition, I think it is meaningless and thus competition has really added value to our wrestling and preparation for the African championship and Olympics qualifiers,” Odunayo said.
John Ogbonna, another favorite who picked up gold on day one spoke about how much he trained during the lockdown. “I’ve been doing small training at home, that’s even at my personal house and it’s been a long time I won gold so it’s another testimony,” he said.
Welson Ebikewenimo who picked up gold also spoke to Sports247 on his experience in the final fight. “It was a very tough fight but he’s someone I know very well, we’ve fought in many finals together,” he said. “Maybe, I don’t know, others can be afraid, but if you take a point from me in the first round, you are finished. From there, I can bring out everything I have in my body,” he concluded.
The action continues on Sunday in both the Women Wrestling and Freestyle events of the Champion of Champions tournament holding in Yenegoa.
