As the wrestling event is set to begins at the 2024 National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigerian Olympic silver medallist and 12-time African champion Blessing Oborodudu is set to retire from wrestling.
This is Oborodudu’s last time competing on the mat, after her adventure started at the 2006 Gateway Games while she was still a secondary school student.
The seasoned wrestler marks the end of a legendary career spanning almost two decades by announcing that she will formally retire at this year’s festival.
After putting on impressive performances at inter-house school events, she was invited to the national camp in 2007, which was her first big break.
Encouraged by Canadian-Nigerian Olympic gold winner Daniel Igali, Oborodudu persevered in spite of early protests from her parents, who thought wrestling was only for guys.
Despite losing her first fight at the 2006 Festival, Oborodudu went on to dominate the sport, taking home the gold in each of the following editions she competed in: Rivers 2011, Lagos 2012, Abuja 2018, Edo 2021, Delta 2022, and Kaduna 2009.
Her accomplishments, perseverance, and commitment have created a legacy that will last for many years to come.
At the festival, wrestling will formally start on Monday, with several states vying for podium positions.