GOLD RUSH! Nigeria’s Odunayo Adekuoroye Defends Her Commonwealth Crown In 6-4 Final Win

OKAFOR MOSES/Birmingham

Nigerian wrestling dynamite, Odunayo Adekuoroye has claimed Gold in the Women’s 57kf Freestyle Wrestling after beating Anshu Malik of India.

The 2018 Commonwealth champion defeated her opponent 6-4 in the final to successfully defend the crown she won in Gold Coast four years ago.

En route to the final, the reigning African champion defeated Canada’s Hannah Taylor in the semis in a swashbuckling 10-0 victory.

The win further increase Nigeria’s gold medals so far to six, with more medals still on the offing for the nation.

Meanwhile, Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, has congratulated Ondo State-born Olympian and Nigerian Wrestling Star, Odunayo Adekuoroye, for winning Gold for the country in the ongoing 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Adekuoroye, on Friday defeated her rival Anshu Malik of India to win Gold in the Women’s 57kg Freestyle Wrestling.

Governor Akeredolu hailed the Commonwealth champion for her resilience and courage even under intense pressure.

The Governor noted that Adekuoroye has set a heart-warming record for herself and the country being the first wrestler to win third consecutive gold medal at the Commonwealth Games.

He said:”Our own Odunayo Adekuoroye has recorded another feat for the country. We are particularly proud that she displayed courage and resilience to clinch her win even in the face of intense pressure.

“We are, indeed, thrilled that an Ondo State indigene has brought pride to the black race, the Nation and the Sunshine State in particular. Her victory is a collective pride for the country.

“That she showcased strong determination to emerge victorious resonates the patriotic spirit of a compatriot whose dedication to do the nation proud was unparalleled.

“Having won gold in 2014 and 2018 in Glasgow and Gold Coast, the Birmingham gold is a record made. We are delighted that she made this remarkable accomplishment on the world stage.

“We express our heartfelt gratitude to Odunayo Adekuoroye for making us proud in Ondo State and Nigeria at large. She is a reigning star that will continue to inspire upcoming generations of Nigerian athletes to achieve impressive performance.”