A total of 55 wrestlers have been confirmed for this year's edition of the ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament, with each participating country fielding three male and two female athletes across five different weight categories. With Niger, the defending champions, out of the competition, along with Burkina Faso, a new team is set to claim the title in Abuja.

The tournament, scheduled to take place from March 6th to 8th, holds additional significance as it coincides with ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary, adding prestige to an already intense competition. The participating nations will not only be competing for medals but also contributing to a historic moment in the region’s sporting and diplomatic history.

At the last edition in 2023, hosted by Niger Republic, the home side emerged champions, with Senegal finishing second and Nigeria placing third. Now, on home soil, Nigeria is determined to climb to the top and ensure it does not just host but also wins the tournament.

Beyond the prestige of winning, the tournament comes with substantial financial rewards. The top three teams will receive cash prizes, with $10,000 set aside for the overall champions, $6,000 for second place, and $3,000 for the third-best team. Individual winners are also set to benefit, with gold medalists earning $2,000, silver medalists receiving $1,500, and bronze medalists taking home $1,000.

Francis Chuks Njoaguani stressed that the financial incentives will drive fierce competition, as athletes will be competing not just for pride but for life-changing rewards. “This year’s prize money is one of the biggest in the tournament’s history. The athletes know what’s at stake, and they will give everything to come out on top,” he said.

He also reinforced the significance of traditional wrestling in West Africa, stating that the sport is deeply embedded in the social and cultural fabric of the region. “Across our communities, wrestling is more than just a sport; it’s a rite of passage, a celebration of skill and discipline. That is why ECOWAS continues to invest in it as a means of preserving our identity while promoting regional harmony,” he concluded.

With everything now in place, all eyes are on Abuja as the best wrestlers in West Africa prepare for a showdown like never before, aiming to leave their mark in this special edition celebrating ECOWAS at 50.