The history of wrestling became popular in Nigeria as a competitive Olympic around the 1980s after the establishment of the wrestling federation. Still, it has long existed as a local sport in the country.
Some pioneer wrestlers, such as Michael Okpala, always known as Power Mike, the Late Michael Bamidele, Maman Zaria, Ben Lion Heart, and Power Uti, made the country recognized in the world wrestling through their ceaseless efforts and abilities.
This Nigerian wrestling hall of fame has showcased the country at international tournaments such as the Africa Games, Commonwealth Games, and the Olympics. They made names and created a history that has continued to be a reference to date.
Hardcore Wrestling Academy was later introduced in Nigeria to operate under the federation. It was formed in Onitsha, Anambra state, to bring up able-bodied youths interested in the game of wrestling who can stand out to represent the country in the future.
In 2014, Odunayo Adekuoroye, a Nigerian female wrestler, won gold medals consecutively at the Commonwealth Games, and she became the first female wrestler to win a gold medal in Nigeria. In the women's 57kg wrestling category, she successfully defeated India’s Pooja Dhanda 7-5 points to win a gold medal for Nigeria.
Recently, in the 2018 Commonwealth Games, Blessing Oborududu and Odunayo Adekuoroye were both added to the medal table as 2018 gold medallists. Oborududu won her gold in the women’s 68kg wrestling freestyle event, while Odunayo Adekuoroye won in wrestling women’s 57kg freestyle.
Also, during the Africa Wrestling Championships held from 11th to 17th February 2018 at the Alfred Diete-Spiff Civic Centre, the Port Harcourt Nigeria team also won 21 medals.
The females won 10 medals: 6 gold, two silver, and 2 bronze in the women's category, while the males won 11 medals: 3 gold, three silver, and five bronze.
Many countries, such as Kenya, Liberia, Morocco, Namibia, Tunisia, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Algeria, Burundi, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Egypt, Madagascar, Uganda, and the Central Africa Republic, participated in the competition.
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