By Mercy Peter
Senegal beat Nigeria to the top spot of at the Economic Community of West African States traditional wrestling competition.
Senegal defeated hosts Nigeria, 4-1 in the team final to win the 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament in Abuja at the weekend.
Nigeria however showed remarkable progress as it improved on its third-place finish in 2023.
The competition, which was held between 6th and 8th March, 2025, at the Velodrome package A of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, was also staged in commemoration of ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary.
Eleven countries participated in the 3-day tournament which saw wrestlers battling each other for the ultimate and coveted prize which was eventually won by the Senegalese team.
The Senegalese secured victories in the 66kg, 86kg, 100kg, and 120kg weight categories and Nigeria managed a single win in the 76kg division.
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 while 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.
