The Nigerian Wrestling Federation (NWF) has announced that Blessing Oborodudu, Nigeria’s most decorated female wrestler, will officially retire from competitive wrestling at the 2024 National Sports Festival.
The 36-year-old will make her final appearance on the mat at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic Centre in Ikenne, one of the key venues for the 22nd edition of the festival.
A Journey That Began in Abeokuta Ends Where It All Started
Oborodudu’s retirement comes at the same location where her journey began; Abeokuta, during the Gateway Games in 2006.
Then an amateur, she suffered an early exit. Nearly two decades later, she bows out as a living legend of Nigerian and African wrestling.
“A legend will be saying goodbye to a sport she has contributed immensely to grow through her dedication, passion, and achievements,” the NWF said in a statement on Monday.
“Her name resonates throughout Africa and beyond, evoking strong emotional responses from fans, Nigerian people, and well-wishers.”
“The name Blessing Oborodudu is leaving a memorable and significant history with an inherent sound that would be easily recalled and remembered.”
Record-Breaking Career
Blessing Oborodudu’s career is a litany of historic feats and unmatched dominance in women’s wrestling across Africa and beyond:
12-time African Champion
Gold medals at all National Sports Festival editions she participated in, including:
Kaduna 2009
Rivers 2011
Lagos 2012
Abuja 2018
Edo 2021
Delta 2022
First Nigerian wrestler to win an Olympic medal, claiming silver at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics
Final Bow at the 2024 National Sports Festival
Wrestling events at the 2024 NSF began on Monday with the Greco-Roman category, while Oborodudu and her female counterparts will begin their medal quests on Tuesday (today).
