Nigeria Customs Celebrates Team Nigeria’s Historic Triumph at African Wrestling Championship

…As CGC Adeniyi Hails Record-Breaking Feat across Multiple Weight Categories

Author: Folusho Adeogun.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has once again celebrated Team Nigeria’s outstanding performance at the 2026 African Wrestling Championships in Alexandria, Egypt, where the country clinched the women’s team title with a dominant display across multiple weight categories.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, who also serves as President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, commended the athletes for their exceptional performance, noting that the feat reinforces Nigeria’s longstanding dominance in women’s wrestling on the continent.

Team Nigeria delivered a near-flawless outing, securing eight gold medals and two silvers across 10 weight categories to extend the nation’s record to 15 African titles. Leading the charge was Miesinnei Mercy Genesis, who claimed her sixth African crown in the 50kg category with a composed 6–0 victory over Tunisia’s Chahrazed Ayachi.

Christianah Ogunsanya (53kg) secured her fourth continental title with a victory over Côte d’Ivoire’s Nogona Bakayoko, while Adijat Idris (55kg) cruised to gold with an emphatic 8–0 win against Tunisia’s Lobna Ichaoui.

Jumoke Adekoye (57kg) continued her impressive run, defeating Algeria’s Achouak Tekouk 8–4 to claim her fourth title, as Esther Asaolu (59kg) dominated host nation Egypt with a 10–0 technical superiority win over Mariam Mosbeh.

Reigning African champion Esther Kolawole (62kg) powered to her fifth title with a commanding 10–0 victory over South Africa’s Katelyn Swan, while Mercy Adekuoroye (65kg) sealed gold via pinfall against Central African Republic’s Lec Hej Marlyne Ande.

Damola Hannah Ojo (76kg) completed the golden sweep with a hard-fought 3–1 victory over Cameroon’s Pelagie Wilita, successfully defending her title.

Nigeria’s depth was further highlighted by strong silver medal performances from Hannah Reuben (68kg) and Ebi Biogos (72kg), rounding off an impressive medal haul.

In the men’s freestyle category, Team Nigeria also delivered a commendable performance, finishing third overall, with Harrison Onovwiomogbhwo (97kg) securing gold after defeating Egypt’s Mohamed Mostafa 10–4.

Reacting to the achievement, the CGC expressed pride in the athletes’ accomplishments, describing the performance as a reflection of discipline, resilience, and national excellence.

“This is a remarkable achievement for Nigeria. The consistency, determination, and excellence displayed by these athletes clearly demonstrate our strength and leadership in African wrestling. We are proud of them and confident that they will continue to make the nation proud on the global stage,” Adeniyi stated.

He further noted that the victory underscores the impact of sustained investment in sports development and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote youth empowerment, national unity, and international competitiveness.