Wednesday, 23 August 2017

World Wrestling Championship: Adekuoroye secures historic silver for Nigeria

By Akeem Lawal
NIGERIA sensational wrestler, Odunayo Adekuoroye had to settle for silver medal at the ongoing 2017 World Wrestling Championship in Paris, France after she narrowly lost to Haruna Okuno of Japan 4-5 in the final of the 55kg women's freestyle, Sportsbiz247.blogspot.com reports.


The world's No.1 wrestler, who won gold in the 2014 Commonwealth Games and bronze at the 2015 World Wrestling Championships in USA, became the first women from Nigeria to march into the gold medal finals at senior wrestling world championships.


The Ondo State born wrestler started her campaign by defeating Mathilde Helene 13-9 in the qualification round to move to the round of 16.

She then proved to be too much for Lenka Hockova Martinakova as she thrashed the Czech Republic wrestler 10-0.


In her quarter final match, the three-time Africa champion cruised past Mongolia’s Davaachimeg Erkhembayar 8-4 before going ahead to defeat Under 23 European Champion Irina Kurachkina of Belarus 10-0 in the semi final.

Seven-time Africa champion, Blessing Oborududu however lost 8-7 to 31 year old Jackeline Renteria Castillo in the 63kg bronze medal match.


The 28 year old Nigerian lead 5-2 after first period, but the Colombian fought back to victory.
Oborududu claimed a 10-2 victory over Mallory Velte (USA) in her opening match and then knocks off two-time world bronze medalist Taybe Yusein (BUL) 12-8. She however lost in the quarter final to two-time Junior World medalist Orkhon Purevdorj (MGL) by technical superiority.


Aminat Adeniyi was unlucky in the 58kg division as she was beaten in the quarterfinal stage by Kagazkhan’s Aisuluu Tynybekova 4-3.

The three-time African champion and 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth gold medalist had earlier defeated European champion Grace Bullen of Norway 9-8 and Czech Republic’s Hockova Martinakova 10-0.

Nigeria’s fourth female wrestler at the championship, Mercy Genesis will take to the mat in the 48kg on Thursday, while the two men – Daniel Amas and John Emmanuel will fight on Friday.


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