Nigeria Wins Silver At ECOWAS Wrestling Tournament, Senegal Claims Gold

Nigeria finished second in the 13th edition of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Wrestling Tournament (TOLAC 2025), which took place at Abuja’s Moshood Abiola Stadium Velodrome.

Senegal won the overall team title at the tournament, which concluded on Saturday, demonstrating their continued dominance in the regional competition.

While Senegal’s superior experience and strength led to victories in the 66kg, 86kg, 100kg, and 120kg weight categories,

Nigeria improved significantly from their third-place finish in 2023. Nigerian wrestlers demonstrated individual brilliance, with Ebipatei Lienbofa winning gold in the 66kg division and Ebi Bigos taking gold in the 76kg division. Nigeria’s single victory came at the 76kg weight class.

Benin Republic clinched third place with a 5-0 victory over Guinea. Their performance demonstrated the increasing strength and competitiveness of the West African wrestling scene.

The withdrawal of Niger Republic, Mali, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS had an impact on the overall competitiveness.

Francis Chuks Njoaguani, Director of the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre, praised the competition’s high level and unifying spirit.

He praised Nigeria’s progress, saying, “This was a remarkable improvement.” Senegal may have won, but Nigeria has proven to be a rising force.”

Njoaguani also emphasised the tournament’s broader significance, praising its role in promoting cultural heritage and regional integration, and highlighting its contribution to ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary celebrations.

Senegal won $10,000, Nigeria finished second with $6,000, and Benin received $3,000. Individual medal winners were also awarded substantial cash prizes.

TOLAC 2025’s historic inclusion of female wrestlers marked a significant step towards gender equality in the sport. This historic event, which coincides with International Women’s Day, emphasises the tournament’s commitment to inclusivity.

The tournament demonstrated the power of sport to strengthen diplomatic ties and regional solidarity across West Africa. As ECOWAS celebrates five decades of progress,

TOLAC continues to serve as a forum for cross-border cooperation and the promotion of African wrestling on a global scale.