NIGERIA: Nigerian Olympic silver medalist and twelve-time African champion, Blessing Oborodudu, is set to bow out of competitive wrestling as the wrestling events kick off at the ongoing 2025 National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Oborodudu, who has become a household name in Nigerian and African wrestling, will bring her illustrious career to an emotional close at the same national stage where it all began—having first competed as a secondary school student during the Gateway Games in 2006.
Her journey to stardom took off in 2007 when she was invited to a national camp following her impressive performances in school-level inter-house competitions. That opportunity led to her debut at the African Games, where she began laying the foundation for an unmatched wrestling legacy.
Despite early resistance from her parents, who believed wrestling was meant for boys, Oborodudu drew inspiration from Canadian-Nigerian Olympic champion Daniel Igali. Her determination to succeed saw her overcome societal norms to become Nigeria’s most decorated female wrestler.
Since her humble beginnings, Oborodudu has gone on to dominate the National Sports Festival, winning gold medals at Kaduna 2009, Rivers 2011, Lagos 2012, Abuja 2018, Edo 2021, and Delta 2022. She also etched her name in history by winning Nigeria’s first Olympic wrestling medal—a silver—at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Now, as she prepares for her final appearance on the mat, the Nigerian sports community is set to honour a true legend of the sport. Her last match will take place on Wednesday at the Obafemi Awolowo Square in Remo, Ikenne, with fans, officials, and fellow athletes expected to give her a standing ovation.
A symbol of resilience, excellence, and dedication, Oborodudu’s name will remain synonymous with the growth of wrestling in Nigeria and across the continent. Her impact transcends medals, having inspired a generation of young female wrestlers to chase their dreams.
Meanwhile, the wrestling competition at the Festival begins on Monday, with states across the country vying for supremacy in a sport that continues to rise in prominence, thanks in no small part to the legacy of Blessing Oborodudu.
Exclusive News
