Sports

David vs Goliath: Nigeria’s Afeniforo Overthrows Armwrestling Queen Olaleye Marie in Abuja

Published

1 year ago

July 25, 2025

Joel Ajayi

In a sensational turn of events at the 14th African Armwrestling Championship in Abuja, Nigeria’s Adefunke Afeniforo pulled off the shock of the tournament by toppling long-standing African champion Olaleye Marie of Benin Republic in the hotly contested 65kg women’s category.

Afeniforo, who only took up armwrestling in April 2025, defied all odds to defeat the heavily favored Marie — the same powerhouse who won double gold (left and right hand) at the last African Games and brought home Benin Republic’s first-ever gold medal.

But tonight in Abuja, the underdog became a champion.

The M.K.O. Abiola National Stadium erupted as Afeniforo’s hand was raised — a thunderous celebration of Nigeria’s rise in the sport and a defining moment of Abuja 2025, which continues to deliver surprises.

Speaking moments after her emotional win, Afeniforo said: “I still can’t believe this happened. I trained with everything I had, knowing I was up against a legend. I deeply respect Olaleye, but I came here to prove that no dream is too small and no champion is unbeatable. Nigeria believed in me and this victory is for everyone who never gave up.”

Olaleye, the reigning queen of African armwrestling, had dominated the division for years. But on this night, Afeniforo’s strength, strategy, and unshakable composure proved decisive — possibly signaling the beginning of a new era in African women’s armwrestling.

With medal rounds still ahead and more high-stakes matches on the horizon, the 2025 African Armwrestling Championship is shaping up to be a battleground of giants and fearless challengers.

Stay tuned as Abuja 2025 continues to deliver glory, grit, and unforgettable triumphs.
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Sports

AACT 2026: 31 Days to Africa’s Big Sporting Gathering in Abuja

Published

20 hours ago

October 2, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The countdown to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) has officially entered the final month, with just 31 days to go before Africa’s leading women’s team golf championship tees off at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.

In a statement signed by the AACT 2026Director of Communication Kayode Adeniyi on Friday in Abuja.

Under the theme “Africa Is Coming to Abuja,” the countdown campaign will spotlight the championship, the participating nations, the players, the host venue and the growing development of women’s golf across the continent.

The 2026 AACT, scheduled for November 2–7, will bring together women’s golfing talent from across Africa for six days of continental competition in Nigeria’s capital.

As preparations continue at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, attention is increasingly turning to Abuja, where the championship will provide a platform for African golfers to compete while also showcasing Nigeria’s hospitality and the country’s growing profile as a destination for major sporting events.

The countdown will feature daily stories, interviews, player and country profiles, tournament facts, behind-the-scenes updates and features on the host venue as the championship draws closer.

The campaign will also highlight the role of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the Local Organising Committee and other stakeholders in preparing for the continental championship.

With just 31 days remaining, anticipation is building across the African golfing community as Abuja prepares to welcome the continent’s leading women golfers.

Africa is coming to Abuja.

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