Purity Akuh, the head coach of Nigeria’s female wrestling team, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance at the Spanish Grand Prix held in Madrid, Spain. The tournament served as a crucial preparatory event ahead of the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, France. Nigerian wrestlers showcased their prowess, securing two bronze medals through Esther Kolawole (62kg) and Ogunsanya Christinah (53kg) in their respective weight categories.
Ogunsanya dominated her match against USA’s Brianne Gonzales with an impressive 10-0 victory, while Kolawole triumphed over Sweden’s Johanna Lindborg with an 8-0 win. However, three-time Commonwealth champion Odunayo Adekuoroye faced tough competition and was narrowly defeated on technical grounds by Norwegian Othile Hole in the quarter-finals. Similarly, African champion Hannah Reuben encountered a setback in her first bout.
Reflecting on the team’s performance, Coach Akuh emphasized the value of the tournament in identifying areas for improvement and providing a competitive experience crucial for their Olympic preparations. She acknowledged that while the Madrid event wasn’t as intense as the Olympics would be, it provided essential insights and learning opportunities.
Before departing for Germany, where the team will undergo final preparations, Daniel Igali, President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, encouraged the wrestlers to capitalize on their experiences from Madrid to enhance their technical skills and tactical strategies. Led by Mohammed Maigidansanma, Secretary-General of the NWF, the team is now focused on refining their techniques and building cohesion as they gear up for the Olympic challenge in Paris.
This phase of intensive training in Germany aims to fine-tune their performance and ensure they are fully prepared to compete at the highest level in the upcoming Olympic Games, where they aim to make a significant impact on the global stage.
