Blessing Oborodudu Secures African Games slot and Olympic Qualifiers
Blessing Oborodudu, the silver medalist from the 2020 Olympics in Japan, has successfully earned a spot in the upcoming African Games set to take place in Accra, Ghana next month. In a decisive victory, Blessing quickly defeated her 68kg opponent, Tokere Appah of Bayelsa, employing a dominant pinfall technique.
The triumph continued with Ebi Biogos of Bayelsa and Hannah Reuben of the Nigerian Army securing victories in the 72kg and 76kg categories, respectively. In the male freestyle division, Soso Tamarau of Delta and Ashton Mutuwa of Plateau caused upsets in the 97kg and 125kg, with the emerging sensation, Ashton Mutuwa, defeating National champion Progress Benson of Rivers to qualify for both the African Games and the Olympic Qualifiers.
Harrison Isrsal of Bayelsa dashed the hopes of Jackson Oluwafemi of Ondo, a national champion in the 86kg category. Earlier in the 65kg, Stephen Simon of Bayelsa triumphed over former national champion Amas Daniel, while Braveman Pere secured qualification in the 74kg, contributing to the winning parade for the upcoming Games in Accra, Ghana.
Dr. Daniel Igali, the president of the Wrestling Federation, expressed his elation at the wrestlers’ dedication and determination during the National trials in Yenagoa. He commended the technical staff and officials for hosting a successful event but emphasized the need for improved preparation for the nation’s athletes heading to the African Games.
Dr. Igali specifically acknowledged the support and warm reception from the government of Bayelsa State for hosting the National Trials. In his concluding remarks, he stated, “Our performance would be determined by how we prepare because I don’t think our athletes are prepared well enough to start thinking of gold, so we need to start camping immediately.”
The African Games are scheduled to take place in Accra, Ghana, from 8th to 24th March 2024, while the first Olympic Qualifiers for the year are set to run from 12th to 20th March.