Nigeria’s Odunayo Adekuoroye secures No. 1 ranking in World Wrestling

Nigeria’s Odunayo Adekuoroye has ascended to the No. 1 position in the world rankings for the 57 kg category in wrestling, with an impressive 49,000 points, as announced by the United World Wrestling.

This remarkable achievement follows Adekuoroye’s outstanding performance at the ongoing African Games in Ghana, where she clinched the gold medal in the 57kg category by defeating Zineb Hassoune of Morocco with a pinfall.

Adekuoroye’s rise to the top of the global rankings highlights her dominance and prowess in the sport, showcasing Nigeria’s strength and competitiveness on the international wrestling stage.

In the latest rankings, Moldova’s Anastasia Nichita closely trails Adekuoroye in second position with 47,200 points, while Tsugumi Sakurai of Japan occupies the third position with 45,000 points.

Her success is not only a source of pride for Nigeria but also serves as inspiration for aspiring wrestlers and athletes across the nation, demonstrating the rewards of determination and perseverance.

Reacting to Adekuoroye’s achievement, the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali, expressed his elation, emphasizing the importance of adequate preparation for the upcoming Olympics. Despite the limited competition due to the pandemic, Igali highlighted the federation’s impressive performance at the African championships, where Nigeria secured numerous medals.

“This ranking gives us added motivation to prepare adequately for the Olympics,” Igali stated. “Our goal is to qualify for about five or six slots in the upcoming Oceania/Africa Olympic qualifiers.”

Adekuoroye’s remarkable journey to the No. 1 ranking underscores her dedication and serves as a testament to her outstanding talent in the sport of wrestling.