Sports

Gold rush as Nigeria dominates badminton, wrestling events

Team Nigeria waited till yesterday evening to begin its gold rush at the ongoing Ghana 2023 African Games, where the country’s wrestlers and badminton stars have dominated the scene.

The gold rush started in the men’s badminton, where African champion, Anuoluwapo Opeyori, defeated his compatriot, Godwin Olofua 2-1 (19-21, 21-17, 21-15) to give Team Nigeria the gold and silver medals.

Thereafter came the wrestlers, who showed how far Nigeria has gone on the mat with six finalists in the event.

Mercy Genesis won the country’s first wrestling gold when she defeated Egypt’s Mohamed Nada 7-0 to win the 50kg title. She was followed by Christiana Ogunsanya, who took the 53kg gold, before African champion, Odunayo Adekuoroye retained her 57kg title.

Japan 2020 Olympics silver medallist, Blessing Oborodudu, added to Team Nigeria’s gold medal collection to make it five for the country overall.

Nigeria’s five gold, four silver and two bronze medals have taken them to the second position behind Egypt, which has 23 medals, comprising 13 gold, four silver and six bronze.

Algeria with 15 medals comprising three gold, three silver and nine bronze medals is third, while Morocco with nine medals (two gold, four silver and three bronze medals) is fourth.

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