Top Nigerian wrestlers delivered commanding performances at the 4th Governor Douye Diri Wrestling Classics in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, with stars such as Mercy Adekuoroye, Welson Ebikewenimo, Jumoke Adekoya and Godday Eseimokumo emerging as standout performers.
Adekuoroye, representing Rivers State, retained her title in dominant fashion, defeating Bayelsa’s Mughentola Ebipatai by technical superiority in the women’s 65kg final held at the Multipurpose Sports Hall of the Samson Siasia Complex. Tokere Appah of Defence and Jennifer Okhilie of Edo State secured bronze medals in the category.
In the women’s 57kg division, Adekoya of Ondo State impressed with a composed display to overcome Faith Esouakpo of Edo State in the final. Tanlayefa Bekefale of Bayelsa and Brenda Godfrey of Delta claimed bronze medals after strong outings.
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The 53kg category produced another thrilling contest as Mausi Zannli of Lagos State edged Ayo Esewi of Edo State in a closely fought final. Andrew Woyinkobikiye of Bayelsa and Bidemi Enukezie of Delta finished in third place.
Bayelsa’s Ebikewenimo electrified the home crowd in the men’s 57kg event, staging a late comeback to defeat Edo’s Simone Enosunimi. The Commonwealth Games silver medallist secured a decisive point at the final whistle after trailing in the opening round. Joseph Joshua of Lagos and Samuel Chaima of Plateau took bronze.
One of the biggest upsets of the tournament came in the 86kg category, where Eseimokumo dethroned Rivers State’s Femi Jackson in a tense final. The Bayelsa wrestler surged ahead early with six points and held firm despite a late rally from Jackson. Mathias Okuma of Edo State and Andy Alagba of the Nigeria Customs Service settled for bronze.
The tournament once again highlighted Nigeria’s growing strength in wrestling, with athletes demonstrating skill, endurance, and competitive depth across weight categories. Observers say sustained investment and structured support could further elevate Nigerian wrestlers on the global stage, building on recent international successes.
The Governor Douye Diri Wrestling Classics continues to serve as a vital platform for talent discovery and elite competition, reinforcing Bayelsa State’s status as a key hub for wrestling development in Nigeria.
