African Games: Nigeria bags first medal in wrestling

Nigeria’s Nworie Emmanuel on Saturday won a bronze medal in the 77kg Greco-Roman event at the ongoing African Games in Accra, Ghana.

Nworie defeated Hattingh Johannes of South Africa 11-0 superiority, after what seemed to be a controversial semifinal for the Nigerian wrestler.

Speaking after the game, Emmanuel expressed dissatisfaction with his semifinal loss to his Egyptian opponent.

He dominated almost the entire tie but was defeated through technical decisions by the umpires.

“I really feel sad because of my semifinal defeat because I gave all my strength in the game to be able to play in the final.

”I play in the third place game with every power within me to secure the bronze medal match,” Emmanuel said.

Nigerian wrestlers will hope to better their performances on Sunday, in the women wrestling when Blessing Oborodudu and Odunayo Adekuoroye among others take to the mat.

The wrestling event which started on Saturday is expected to end on Monday.

African Games: Nigeria bags first medal in wrestling