Reigning African champion Christianah Ogunsanya claimed bronze for Nigeria at the 3rd World Wrestling Series Tournament in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Key takeaways
- Christianah Ogunsanya delivered Nigeria’s bronze at the World Wrestling Series event in Ulaanbaatar.
- She reached the medal bout after a 6-6 draw with Bayanmunkh, winning on technical criteria.
- Genesis Mercy missed out on a podium finish, falling to Evin Demirhan in the bronze-medal contest.
- Nigeria’s coaching staff framed the outcomes as proof the country can match the sport’s top nations.
- Team Nigeria will compete again on Saturday, with Esther Kolawole and Damola Hannah Ojo on the schedule.
Ogunsanya’s route to bronze
Ogunsanya sealed the podium finish by edging home favourite Bayanmunkh on technical criteria following a 6-6 stalemate. Earlier in the tournament, she dominated fellow Mongolian opponent Tsovoo Gankhuyag, winning 10-0 by superiority.
Her campaign also included a defeat to Japan’s Kiyooka M, where she was beaten by the same 10-0 margin.
Genesis Mercy falls short in the bronze bout
Commonwealth champion Genesis Mercy narrowly missed out on a medal. In the bronze-medal match, she was beaten 2-7 by Turkey’s Evin Demirhan.
Reaction from the Nigeria camp
Nigeria Women Wrestling coach Akuh Purity said the results underlined Nigeria’s ability to compete with the world’s leading wrestling nations. He added that both the wrestlers and the coaching group gained important experience that will shape preparations for upcoming events, including the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Purity also credited Nigeria Wrestling Federation president Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for enabling the team’s participation in the tournament.
Next up for Team Nigeria
Team Nigeria returns to the mat on Saturday, with Esther Kolawole and Damola Hannah Ojo set to compete. The coaching staff will also make tactical adjustments after reviewing Friday’s performances.
