Lagos — Team Nigeria delivered a commanding performance at the Central African Wrestling Championship in Brazzaville, Congo, finishing with five gold medals and one silver across Freestyle, Beach Wrestling and Women’s Wrestling categories.
The feat was confirmed on Monday in Lagos by Promise Otokoto, Media Assistant to the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF).
Nigeria opened its campaign in emphatic fashion, securing three gold medals on the opening day of competition.
In the Men’s 65kg Freestyle category, Terry Godfrey clinched gold, while Andrew Woyinkorikiye secured victory in the 53kg Women’s Wrestling event. Precillia Archbone also struck gold in the 45kg category, completing Nigeria’s strong start.
“Team Nigeria started on the opening day by securing three gold medals,” Otokoto said.
He added that the momentum continued in the Beach Wrestling events, where Nigeria added two more gold medals. Woyinkorikiye and Archbone both topped their respective categories, while Godfrey settled for silver.
Nigeria’s overall haul placed the team third on the final medal table, behind DR Congo and host nation Congo Brazzaville, a ranking influenced by the number of participating athletes.
Otokoto said the performance reflects the Nigeria Wrestling Federation’s renewed focus on grassroots talent development and international exposure.
Speaking on the achievement, NWF President and Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, said international competitions remain central to his administration’s athlete development strategy.
He noted that exposure to global tournaments helps wrestlers adapt to different styles, improve competitiveness and build resilience.
“International competitions expose athletes to diverse styles, tactics and higher physical demands,” Adeniyi said.
According to him, success on the international stage inspires young athletes and strengthens the sport’s development pipeline in Nigeria.
“Winning inspires the next generation of youths to work harder,” he said.
Adeniyi added that global participation also enhances visibility for athletes, creating opportunities for scouting, sponsorship and professional growth.
“It provides visibility to scouts and establishes pathways for future success,” he added.
The Nigerian contingent comprised three wrestlers, coach Kingkuro Oyinbrakemi Tangi and Nigeria Wrestling Federation Assistant Secretary Abigail Ibrahim.