Wrestlers from Bayelsa, Lagos, Ondo, Rivers, Edo and Delta states claimed medals across multiple weight categories on Day 7 of the 4th Governor Douye Diri Wrestling Classics in Yenagoa. The event, organised by the Bayelsa State Government through its Ministry of Sports Development in partnership with the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, serves as a qualifying platform for the upcoming African Wrestling Championships in Alexandria, Egypt, set for late April to early May. Competitors battled for supremacy in both men's and women's divisions, with standout performances from several athletes. In the women's 53kg category, Mausi Zannli from Lagos took gold, while Ayo Esewi of Edo secured silver; Andrew Woyinkobikiye of Bayelsa and Bidemi Enukezie of Delta shared bronze. Jumoke Adekoya of Ondo won gold in the 57kg class, with Faith Esouakpo of Edo earning silver, and Tanlayefa Bekefale of Bayelsa and Brenda Godfrey of Delta capturing bronze. Mercy Adekuoroye of Rivers claimed gold in the 65kg division, Mughentola Ebipatai of Bayelsa took silver, and Tokere Appah of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Jennifer Okhilie of Edo won bronze. In the men's 57kg category, Welson Ebikewenimo of Bayelsa emerged champion, with Simone Enosunimi of Edo as runner-up. Godday Eseimokumo of Bayelsa also claimed gold in the 86kg men's division, while Femi Jackson of Rivers settled for silver. The competition, which began on March 25, is scheduled to conclude on April 1.
When Bayelsa produces champions across weight classes and genders, it signals more than regional pride—it shows the state's growing dominance in Nigeria's wrestling pipeline. The fact that the Diri Wrestling Classics doubles as a selection route for the African Championships gives these victories strategic importance beyond the mat. This isn't just about medals; it's about who shapes Nigeria's face in continental combat sports. Bayelsa isn't just hosting—it's leading.
