The 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament has showcased fierce competition over the past three days, with three of the 11 participating nations vying for money-spinning cash prizes and podium finish in the heart of Nigeria’s capital, Abuja. 

As the finals unfold today, March 8, 2025, the regional competition has narrowed to a tight battle between Nigeria, Senegal, and Benin, who have emerged as the dominant forces in both team and individual events.

Held from March 6-8, 2025, at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, this year’s tournament is not only a thrilling display of elite wrestling talent but also commemorates the golden jubilee of ECOWAS, further solidifying the sport’s cultural and historical importance in the region.

Team Events

The team events have been highly competitive, with Nigeria securing hard-fought victories over Sierra Leone (3-2) and Ghana (4-1). Benin has shown remarkable resilience, beating Gambia 5-0, Guinea 3-2, and Liberia 4-1. Senegal, meanwhile, has been dominant, winning 4-1 against Guinea-Bissau and 3-2 against Côte d'Ivoire. Gambia and Sierra Leone fought valiantly but ultimately fell short against the tournament’s heavyweights, while Guinea’s impressive performances earned them wins over Liberia (3-2) and Gambia (4-1). Liberia, however, struggled and failed to secure a single team win.

Individual Events

The individual events have also produced some exciting moments. The highly anticipated 120kg final will feature Senegal’s Ngagne Sene and Guinea’s Gino Nitehala. Sene overcame Benin’s Inoussa Islam Dine 6-1 in the semifinals, while Nitehala triumphed over Ghana’s Issah Fuseini with a 5-2 victory. The bronze medal bout between Islam Dine and Fuseini promises to be another thrilling encounter.

In the women’s 76kg category, Nigeria’s Ebi Bigos advanced to the final with a hard-fought 5-3 win over Benin’s Bodirenou Rosine. Côte d'Ivoire’s Youin Amy secured her spot in the final by defeating Guinea’s Djouma Sow 4-2. The gold medal match between Bigos and Amy is expected to be a thrilling showdown, with Sow and Rosine set to battle for the bronze.

Significance and Rewards

This year’s tournament holds special significance as it celebrates 50 years of ECOWAS’ existence. Since its establishment in 2001, the ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament has continued to grow in stature, with this edition marking a new milestone in its development.

With defending champions Niger absent, and Burkina Faso also out, the race for the top prize remains wide open. At the 2023 edition, Niger won gold, Senegal took silver, and Nigeria claimed bronze. Now, with home advantage, Nigeria is determined to reclaim the top spot from regional giants like Senegal.

The tournament also offers substantial financial rewards. The team champions will receive $10,000, while the runners-up will earn $6,000, and the third-place team will pocket $3,000. Individual gold medalists will take home $2,000, silver medalists will receive $1,500, and bronze medalists will earn $1,000.

The Final Showdown

As the tournament reaches its conclusion, all eyes are on Abuja to see who will emerge victorious. Will Nigeria reclaim the title, will Senegal’s Ngagne Sene prove unbeatable, or will Ebi Bigos deliver gold for the hosts? One thing is certain—the ECOWAS Wrestling Tournament has once again proven to be the ultimate battleground for West Africa’s finest wrestlers.