Senegal Clinches Victory as ECOWAS Wraps Up Historic TOLAC 2025 in Abuja.

By Raymond Enoch

In a historic display of strength, skill, and sportsmanship, Senegal emerged victorious at the 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament (TOLAC) 2025, which concluded on March 8 at the Velodrome in Abuja, Nigeria.

The tournament, held as part of ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary celebrations, not only showcased the region’s top athletic talents but also marked a monumental step toward gender equality in traditional sports.

Senegal’s wrestlers dominated the competition, claiming 1st place, while the host nation Nigeria secured 2nd, and Benin rounded off the podium with 3rd position..

The event was notable not only for its intense matches but also for its historic inclusion of female wrestlers. This milestone, achieved on International Women’s Day, signaled a new era for women in African wrestling, highlighting ECOWAS’s commitment to empowering youth and promoting gender equality within the region’s cultural and sporting spheres.

The tournament’s success extended far beyond the mat. TOLAC 2025 underscored the unifying power of sport, strengthening diplomatic ties and fostering deeper regional solidarity among ECOWAS member states. As the organization celebrates five decades of progress, TOLAC continues to be a catalyst for cross-border cooperation, elevating African wrestling on the world stage and contributing to the preservation of the region’s rich cultural heritage.

With the 50th anniversary celebrations of ECOWAS in full swing, this year’s TOLAC will be remembered not only for the athletic prowess on display but also for the historic strides made towards inclusivity and equality in African sports.