African silver medallist, Esther Kolawole and Christiana Ogunsanya will make their debut at the 13th African Games in Ghana. The 13th African Games is scheduled from 8th to 23rd March, 2024 in Ghana.
2022 Commonwealth bronze medallist, Esther Kolawole defeated Precious Teibri of Nigerian Army in the women’s 62kg while Christiana Ogunsanya dispatched Bekefula Tarilyefa of Bayelsa in the women’s 53kg at the 2024 National Trials held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state.
The U23 World bronze medallist told www.aclsports.com that winning her category against a tough opponent (Precious Teibri) is an indication she is ready for the African Games.
Kolawole said, “I want to thank God for the opportunity given to me to represent Nigeria at the African Games. This will be my first time of featuring at any African Games; I am trusting on God that I will bring home the gold medal.
Meanwhile, the head coach of Nigeria Women’s Wrestling Team, Purity Akuh told www.aclsports.com that the young wrestlers have gathered a lot experience in the last four years.
Akuh revealed that Esther Kolawole and Christiana Ogunsanya both broke into the wrestling scene from the National Youth Games and have maintained the momentum over the years.
He said, “I have confidence in both wrestlers because the girls are very experienced. They have featured in the National Youth Games, National Sports Festival, African Cadet/Junior Championships, African Senior Championships, World Junior Championships, Commonwealth Games as well as Olympic Qualifiers where the best wrestlers converge.
“This is an opportunity for them to dominate the African Games and stamp their feet against other African opponents”.
