Wrestling legend Blessing Oborududu bows out in glory with gold at National Sports Festival

Nigerian wrestling great Blessing Oborududu has officially called time on an illustrious 19-year career, ending on the highest of notes with a gold medal for Bayelsa State at the National Sports Festival held in Ogun State.

The emotional farewell marked the end of a journey that began nearly two decades ago at the same festival in 2006, where a teenage Oborududu first stepped onto the mat. Since then, she has risen to become not just a household name in Nigeria, but a continental icon and global ambassador for African wrestling.

Oborududu’s farewell was met with tears, applause, and admiration from fans, fellow athletes, and officials. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist and 14-time African champion expressed heartfelt gratitude to those who stood by her throughout her career — from the Nigeria Wrestling Federation and her teammates, to her coaches and family.

Reflecting on her journey, Oborududu identified her Olympic silver medal as her proudest moment, calling it “a defining point” in her career and a victory for women across Africa. Her medal was not only Nigeria’s first in Olympic wrestling but also the first ever for an African woman in the sport — a moment that redefined history.

Daniel Igali, President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation and Commissioner for Sports in Bayelsa State, paid tribute to Oborududu’s impact. “She is not just a phenomenal athlete; she is a mentor, a sister, and a leader,” Igali said. “Many younger wrestlers who trained and lived with her have been shaped by her discipline, humility, and courage.”

Teammate Hannah Reuben echoed the sentiment, describing Oborududu’s retirement as bittersweet. “We’re happy she’s leaving on a high, but we’ll deeply miss her presence on and off the mat,” she said.