ECOWAS Makes History, Hosts First-Ever Women Wrestling Tournament in Abuja Nigeria.
By Raymond Enoch
In a ground breaking move, Nigeria is set to host the 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament from March 6 to 8, 2025, at the Velodrome, MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
This prestigious event marks a significant milestone in the region’s sporting history, as it will be the first time such tournament will hold to feature female wrestlers, highlighting the ECOWAS Commission’s commitment to gender inclusivity.
The announcement was made on March 4, 2025, at the ECOWAS Commission Headquarters in Abuja, where Ambassador Francis Chuks Njoaguani, Director of the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre, spoke passionately about the tournament’s role in fostering regional unity and preserving African cultural heritage. “This tournament is more than just a competition; it is a celebration of the African spirit of togetherness, resilience, and determination,” Njoaguani remarked.
In a significant development, the inclusion of female athletes in the tournament signals a new era for African wrestling. Eleven ECOWAS member states will participate in the competition, which will run daily from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The final matches on March 8 will determine the champions, with the winning team walking away with a cash prize of $10,000. Individual gold medalists will be rewarded with $2,500 each.
Madame Ikawa Mbora, Deputy Director of Federations at the National Sports Commission (NSC), emphasized Nigeria’s preparedness to host a world-class event. “We are ready to showcase Nigeria’s capacity to host major international events, and we are committed to making this tournament a success,” Mbora stated, adding that the country’s infrastructure and organizational support would ensure a seamless experience for athletes and spectators alike.
As the tournament draws closer, ECOWAS has called on media outlets to intensify coverage, ensuring that this historic event reaches a broad audience and amplifies the message of inclusivity, unity, and sportsmanship across the continent.
The 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament not only promises to be a thrilling showcase of athleticism but also a monumental step toward promoting gender equality and empowering women in sports. As the first-ever gender-inclusive event of its kind, this tournament will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy in African sports history.
