Abuja is set to host the 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament from March 6-8 at the Velodrome, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, with 11 countries confirmed to participate.
This year’s tournament holds special significance as it forms part of the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS.
Francis Njoaguani, Director of the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre, shared the announcement at a press conference.
He disclosed that a total of 55 wrestlers, both male and female, will compete in this exciting event, which aims to foster unity and regional integration across West Africa.
The tournament will feature 11 of the 12 ECOWAS member states, with 33 male and 22 female wrestlers participating in both individual and team competitions.
Female wrestlers will compete in the 65kg and 75kg categories, while male competitors will take part in the 85kg, 100kg, and 120kg categories.
A total prize pool of $24,000 will be awarded, with $10,000 for the winning team, $6,000 for second place, and $3,000 for third place. Individual wrestlers can also earn between $1,000 and $2,500 depending on their performance.
Ikana Mbora, Deputy Director at the National Sports Commission, NSC, highlighted the importance of Nigeria hosting the prestigious tournament for the first time.
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She assured that the NSC, as a key partner, would ensure the competition runs smoothly, adhering to international standards.
Olufemi Ajao, also from the NSC, assured that all security and logistics arrangements had been finalized for a successful event and called on residents of Abuja to come out and witness top-tier traditional wrestling.
He emphasized that this would be the most well-organized tournament in the history of the competition.
The event is a historic first for Nigeria, which has previously seen the tournament hosted in Senegal and Niger.
The countries participating in the tournament include Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, and the host nation, Nigeria.
ECOWAS leaders officially adopted African wrestling as an ECOWAS sport in September 2000, aiming to promote it as a symbol of regional integration and to give it a platform for Olympic Games recognition.
African wrestling, known by various names across the region—Laamb in Senegal, Boreh in The Gambia, and Kokowa in Nigeria and Niger—is a cherished traditional sport with deep cultural significance.
Crediblenewsng.com
