Nigeria’s Blessing Oborududu has advanced to the semifinals of the women’s 68kg wrestling competition at the Paris 2024 Olympics, ensuring she will secure a medal for her country.
The 35-year-old wrestler is now positioned to surpass the silver medal she won at Tokyo 2020.
Oborududu had a difficult start in her match against Canada’s Linda Morais, falling behind by two points in the first three minutes. However, she rallied impressively, scoring six unanswered points in the second half to win 8-2 and advance to the semifinals.
In the quarterfinals, Oborududu faced another formidable opponent, France’s Koumba Larroque, and emerged victorious with a 6-2 win, earning her place in the penultimate round.
Nigeria’s Sports Minister, Senator John Owan Enoh, commended Oborududu’s performance and encouraged her to aim for gold. “Blessing Oborududu has demonstrated exceptional resilience and skill. We have full confidence in her abilities and are supporting her to make Nigeria proud once more,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s women’s wrestling team head coach, Akuh Purity, is optimistic about surpassing the country’s past Olympic achievements. In an interview with Promise Okotoko, Media Assistant of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Purity expressed confidence in the team’s preparation and dedication for the Paris Olympics.
“We are aware of the expectations following Oborududu’s silver medal at the last Olympics, but we are not feeling pressured. The federation has been extremely supportive, and we have ensured a conducive training environment for our athletes,” Purity noted.
Blessing Oborududu will continue her pursuit of Olympic glory on Tuesday, with Nigeria eagerly awaiting to see if she will secure gold, silver, or bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
