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Culture Comes Alive in Abuja as 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament Kicks Off in Grand Style

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6 days ago

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By Joel Ajayi


It was a spectacular showcase of culture and tradition at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja as the 13th edition of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) African Wrestling Tournament commenced in grand style.
A total of 55 athletes from 11 countries are competing for top honors, with each nation represented by five wrestlers and four technical officials.


Speaking at the opening ceremony on Thursday, the Director of Youth and Sports Development for ECOWAS, Ambassador Francis Njoaguani, expressed his appreciation and highlighted the importance of the tournament in fostering cooperation and unity among the 12 ECOWAS member states.


Although Cape Verde is absent from this year’s event, Njoaguani stressed the significance of sports as a powerful tool for regional integration.


“This programme brings together wrestlers from all our member states,” Njoaguani said. “It strengthens collaboration among nations and showcases the unifying power of sports. We believe this will enhance the integration efforts that ECOWAS advocates.”

With young people making up 54% of the ECOWAS population, Njoaguani noted the vital role sports play in economic development and youth engagement.


 “Sports not only connect participants but also drive economic growth,” he stated. “We aim to leverage sports to spread the message of ECOWAS regarding integration and youth development, which are essential to our goals of development and human capital enhancement.”

The tournament opened with team events, while individual bouts across weight categories of 65kg, 75kg, 85kg, 100kg, and 120kg are scheduled to follow in an elimination format, leading to the semi-finals and finals.


Njoaguani also extended an invitation to the public to attend the tournament’s grand finale on Saturday, where medals and prizes will be awarded to the champions.


As excitement builds, the tournament aims not only to showcase athletic talent but also to foster regional camaraderie and development through the spirit of competition.


In his remarks, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to using sports as a platform for youth empowerment, regional integration, and economic growth.


This year’s tournament also coincides with the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS, adding greater significance to the event.


Dikko praised the rich cultural heritage embedded in traditional wrestling, describing it as more than just a sport: “It embodies the spirit of resilience, strength, and discipline—qualities that define our great continent,” he said, as dignitaries, athletes, and fans gathered to celebrate this prestigious event.

Dikko further commended the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who currently chairs the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, noting his dedication to using sports as a vehicle for peace and regional cohesion.


 “This tournament is a testament to our collective commitment to promoting cultural ties and strengthening the bonds that unite us,” he emphasized.

Hosting the tournament firmly positions Nigeria as a central figure in promoting and developing traditional sports across the region.

Dikko reiterated the National Sports Commission’s dedication to maximizing the power of sporting events for youth development, regional unity, and economic progress.

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Sports

Iyaye, NDDC Chief thrilled by Festival buildup

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6 days ago

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March 6, 2025

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Chairman of the Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) Main Organising Committee (MOC) Alabo Boma Iyaye has expressed satisfaction at the impressive buildup to the event scheduled for April 1-8 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.


Iyaye, who is the Executive Director Finance and Administration at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) spoke against the backdrop of spike in the online registration numbers and the unveiling of the festival mascot and Ambassadors in Owerri on Friday, March 7.


Dunamis Icon, project consultants to the NDDC on the festival released an updated figures in the registration indicating that over 15000 entries have hit the portal which closes at midnight of Friday, March 7.


“I am personally happy and excited at the enthusiasm our youths have shown in embracing the very first festival being organised in the region”, the former Rivers State Commissioner for Sports told the NDSF Media.


He also commended the Organising Committee for creating talking points that have built huge awareness for the festival.


“The festival has only been made public not quite three weeks but look at the numbers that has applied through the portal. 


“I want to commend those charged with the organisation of the festival for a good job so far and it has gained traction through such innovations as the logo competition, the naming of festival Ambassadors and the planned unveiling. These are all add-ons that has made the festival a topic in online and physical communities”, Iyaye also noted.


In the latest figures released by the Technical Committee, Abia State tops the registration chart with over 2000 and are trailed by Bayelsa with 1410, Cross River with 1332, Ondo has 1278 and Delta with 1191. Rivers State has the least figure of 951.


Further data from the Technical Committee also show Athletics and Football attracting more entries at 2640 and 2579 respectively. Other high numbers are in Volleyball 934, Handball 877 and Basketball 694.


Only athletes who registered through the online portal would be eligible to participate in the local government and federal constituency trials leading to the state finals.

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