Six out of the 10 wrestlers that represented Nigeria at the Africa/Oceanic qualifiers in Algiers, Algeria have qualified to participate at the 2016 Rio Olympics scheduled for August 5 to 21.
Four female wrestlers and two male freestyle wrestlers joined Commonwealth Gold medallist, Odunayo Adekuoroye, who booked her place after winning bronze at the World Championships in Las Vegas.
The female wrestlers to compete at the Olympics include; Mercy Genesis (48kg), Aminat Adeniyi, (58kg), Blessing Oborududu (63kg) and Hannah Reuben (69Kg).
All-African Games champion, Mercy Genesis who failed to impress at the 2016 Africa Championship, was in fine form as she won all three fights against Hanene Salaounandji of Algeria by technical Fall, 10-0; Rebecca Muambo (CMR), 7-2 and Jessica Lavers-Mc Bain (AUS) by Fall, (10-0).
In the 58Kg, Aminat Adeniyi finished second (Silver) as Tunisia’s finest Marwa Amri defeated her by Technical Fall.
Seven time Africa Champion, Blessing Oborududu suffered a narrow defeat 8-7 by Hela Riabi another Tunisian wrestler.
After failing to participate at the 2016 Africa Championship, Hannah Reuben made up for her loos, as she won a Gold medal for team Nigeria defeating Egyptian, Enas Ahmed by 8-2.
In the male freestyle category; Africa Champion, Daniel Amas (65K) maintained his form by defeating Australian Sahit Prizreni. Amas will not be the only male wrestler as Africa Bronze medallist; Soso Tamara also booked his place.
Nigeria wrestlers, who will not be are the 2016 Rio Olympics are; Female wrestler, Blessing Onyebuchi (75Kg), male freestyle, Welson Ebikewinimo (57Kg), Melvin Bibo (74Kg) and Emmanuel Nworie (Greco Roman 66Kg).
