Adekuoroye, 2 others retain titles at 4th Gov Diri Wrestling Classics

African champion Mercy Adekuoroye retained her title at the ongoing 4th Governor Douye Diri Wrestling Classics in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Tuesday, March 31.

Adekuoroye, representing Rivers State, defeated Mughentola Ebipatai of Bayelsa State 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 won bronze medals in the 65kg category.

In the 57kg category, Jumoke Adekoya of Ondo State delivered a brilliant performance, defeating Faith Esouakpo of Edo State in the final. Tanlayefa Bekefale of Bayelsa State and Brenda Godfrey of Delta State claimed bronze medals.

In the women’s 53kg final, Mausi Zannli of Lagos State laboured to beat Ayo Esewi of Edo State, while Andrew Woyinkobikiye of Bayelsa State and Bidemi Enukezie of Delta State settled for bronze.

Meanwhile, Welson Ebikewenimo of Bayelsa State fought hard to retain his title, securing a decisive point at the final whistle against Simone Enosunimi of Edo State in the men’s 57kg.

Enosunimi had taken the lead in the first round, but the Commonwealth Games silver medallist battled back to clinch victory. Joseph Joshua of Lagos State and Samuel Chaima of Plateau State won bronze medals.

In the star match of the night, Godday Eseimokumo of Bayelsa State dethroned Femi Jackson of Rivers State in the 86kg category.

Eseimokumo surged ahead with six points before Jackson responded with five. The Rivers State wrestler nearly completed a comeback, but Eseimokumo held on until the final whistle.

Mathias Okuma of Edo State and Andy Alagba of the Nigeria Customs Service settled for bronze medals.