Wrestlers from Ondo State put up an impressive performance in the women’s category on day six of the 4th Governor Douye Diri Wrestling Classics held in Yenagoa on Monday, securing two gold medals out of the four freestyle weight divisions contested.
Leading the success story was African champion Khadijat Idris, who delivered a dominant display in the 55kg category. She outclassed Bayelsa’s promising wrestler Mary Ayeloh through technical superiority to win the gold medal. The bronze medals in that division went to Happiness Soso from Delta State and Augustine Rhoda representing Lagos State.
Damola Ojo also made Ondo State proud in the 76kg division by successfully defending her title after emerging victorious against all her competitors in a round-robin contest. Nigeria Army’s Laide Ojo finished with the silver medal, while Juliet Ogo of Bayelsa State and Mercy Alison of Abia State both earned bronze.
Bayelsa State celebrated victory in the 62kg category as Patience Kakanda caused a major surprise by defeating Nigeria Army wrestler Precious Tieberi 3–1 in the final to claim the title. Delta State’s Isioma Abojei and Blessing Apah of Dynamite Club settled for bronze medals.
In the 59kg division, Rivers State wrestler Esther Asaolu also defended her championship title after defeating all her opponents in another round-robin competition. Bayelsa’s Patience Opuene finished in second place.
Meanwhile, in the men’s competitions, Bayelsa State’s Solomon Ulabo won gold in the 79kg category. Edo State’s Kpum Ayibasisei claimed silver, while Rasheed Saliu of Ondo State and Ebisindei Okorie of Dynamite Club took the bronze medals.
In the 92kg division, NewLife Ebikeme, also representing Bayelsa State, secured the gold medal. Perezidei Obaze from Edo State finished with silver, while Tobechukwu Udeh of the Nigeria Army and Timilehin Adekanmi of Ondo State both won bronze.
