Eko Hot Blog reports that in a moment that will forever be etched in the annals of African sports history, Nigeria’s Mausi Zannu has secured the nation’s first-ever gold medal in the arm wrestling competition at the 13th African Games.
Competing in the fiercely contested 55kg left-hand senior women’s event, Zannu displayed exceptional skill, strength, and determination to clinch the coveted gold medal, marking a groundbreaking achievement for Nigerian arm wrestling.
“This is a dream come true,” beamed Zannu after her historic triumph. “To be the first Nigerian to win an arm wrestling gold medal at the African Games is an indescribable feeling. I’ve worked tirelessly for this moment, and to see it become a reality is truly humbling.”
Zannu’s triumph was part of a commendable overall performance by the Nigerian arm wrestling contingent, who collectively amassed an impressive haul of two gold and four bronze medals from the Accra 2023 Arm Wrestling Championships.
Among the notable medalists was Winifred Ndidi, who secured a bronze in the women’s 80kg left hand category. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved as a team,” Ndidi stated. “This is just the beginning for Nigerian arm wrestling on the continental stage.”
Idowu Abiodu Yunusa added to Nigeria’s medal tally with a hard-fought bronze in the men’s 65kg left-hand event, underscoring the depth of talent within the Nigerian ranks. “The competition was fierce, but we were determined to make our mark,” Yunusa said. “This bronze medal is a testament to our dedication and hard work.”
Further bolstering Nigeria’s medal haul was Sarah Mathew, who outclassed opponents to seize the gold medal in the women’s 70kg left hand category. “To stand on the podium and hear the Nigerian national anthem play was an incredibly emotional moment,” Mathew expressed with pride.
Blessing Ogungbure’s bronze medal in the women’s 70kg left hand event and Samuel Nneka’s bronze in the highly competitive men’s 85kg left-hand category further underscored Nigeria’s dominance in the sport, with multiple athletes demonstrating their prowess on the continental stage.
Nigerian Arm Wrestling Federation President, Adamu Musa, hailed the team’s achievements as a watershed moment for the sport in the country. “This is a historic occasion for Nigerian arm wrestling,” Musa declared. “Our athletes have shown that with dedication and support, we can compete and excel at the highest levels.”
As the Nigerian contingent basks in the glory of their remarkable feat, the nation’s arm wrestling community looks ahead with renewed confidence, inspired by the trailblazers who have etched their names in history at the 13th African Games.
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