ECOWAS AT 50: Abuja Hosts Groundbreaking Gender-Inclusive Wrestling Tournament.
By Raymond Enoch
The 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament ( TOLAC) has opened in Abuja capital city of Nigeria, with the regional bloc reiterating it’s commitment to promoting and preserving cultural heritage of the people of the region while “advancing New opportunities for the athletes” .
The historic and thrilling Wrestling Tournament which kicked off at the Velodrome of the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on the 6th of March 2025, brought together female wrestlers who are taking to the mat alongside their male counterparts, marking a major leap toward gender inclusivity in the region’s sporting culture.
The event, which continued until March 8, is part of the ECOWAS 50th Anniversary Celebrations activities, has attracted wrestlers from 11 ECOWAS Member States, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of athletes from across West Africa.
The tournament has not only captured the region’s sporting imagination but has also underscored ECOWAS’ commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women in sports.
With cash prizes of up to $10,000 up for grabs, the competition is fierce, with both seasoned wrestlers and rising stars eager to make their mark on the regional stage.
The introduction of female participants has added a new style to the tournament, thereby setting a precedent for future sporting events in the region.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, highlighted the significance of the event beyond the realm of sports. “Wrestling is not just a sport. It is an economic empowerment tool that provides young athletes with the skills, exposure, and opportunities they need to succeed globally,” Dikko explained.
The National Sports Commission’s head further emphasized that the tournament would serve as a catalyst for economic growth, as well as cultural preservation, by drawing attention to traditional African wrestling and creating opportunities for young people to make a name for themselves on the international stage.
Ambassador Francis Chuks Njoaguani, the Director of the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre, who spoke on behalf of ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, Prof. Fatou Sow Sarr, echoed these sentiments. “The inclusion of female wrestlers in TOLAC is a defining moment in our journey toward gender equality in sports. This marks the end of a long-standing barrier and sets a new standard for inclusivity in the West African sporting arena,” he said.
For the women stepping onto the mat, this tournament represents not just a chance to compete but a bold statement of strength, resilience, and progress. Wrestlers like Nigeria’s Amina Lawal and Ghana’s Akosua Adomah are already making waves, challenging the status quo and inspiring countless young girls across the region to chase their dreams in a sport traditionally dominated by men.
As the tournament continues over the next few days, excitement is building, and the wrestlers are showing that this historic event is just the beginning. With a platform like TOLAC, the future looks promising for West African wrestling, especially as gender inclusion and diversity become driving forces in the development of sports across the region.
This groundbreaking event not only celebrates ECOWAS’ 50 years of progress but also sets the stage for a new era of sports development, one where everyone, regardless of gender, can strive for greatness and be celebrated for their achievements.
The 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament is a testament to the power of sports to break barriers, build communities, and create opportunities for a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
