Nigeria’s Esther Kolawole is one victory away from reaching the final of the 2026 Senior World Wrestling Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, after securing two impressive wins in the women’s 62kg category.

Kolawole began her campaign with a commanding 10-0 technical superiority victory over Moldova’s Nina Bodișteanu before edging Norway’s Grace Bullen 12-11 in a thrilling quarterfinal encounter.

The hard-fought victory over Bullen tested the Nigerian wrestler’s determination and composure, as she held her nerve in a closely contested battle to secure a place in the last four.

Standing between Kolawole and a place in the final is Japan’s Nonoka Ozaki, a two-time world champion and one of the most accomplished wrestlers in the division.

Ozaki booked her semifinal spot after defeating Russia’s Amina Tandelova 4-1.

The semifinal session is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. in Astana, equivalent to 12:30 p.m. Nigerian time, on Wednesday, October 28.

A victory would take Kolawole into the World Championship final and bring her closer to a major milestone for Nigerian wrestling.

Nigeria’s other representatives in the women’s events were unable to progress beyond the round of 16 and opening round, respectively.

In the women’s 68kg category, Mercy Adekuoroye suffered defeat against Türkiye’s Nesrin Baş in the round of 16.

Meanwhile, Christianah Ogunsanya lost her opening encounter in the women’s 53kg category, falling 3-2 to Mongolia’s Otgontuya Bayanmunkh.

Despite the setbacks, both wrestlers represented Nigeria at the highest level of international competition.

With a place in the final within reach, attention now turns to Kolawole as she prepares for the crucial semifinal against Ozaki.

The Nigerian has demonstrated resilience and attacking quality in her victories over Bodișteanu and Bullen, but she faces a formidable opponent in the Japanese wrestler.

Kolawole’s performance has kept Nigeria’s hopes of a medal alive, with the country’s wrestling community backing her to make the most of the opportunity.

A victory would secure her a place in the championship final, putting her one step closer to the ultimate prize in Astana.