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Nigeria Place Second Behind Senegal at 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament

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Nigeria Place Second Behind Senegal at 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria could only muster a second place finishing at the just ended 13th Edition of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Wrestling Tournament (TOLAC 2025).

It finished behind the tournament most successful country Senegal which had on few occasions conceded top place finishing to Niger Republic; country that alongside Mali and Burkina Faso withdrew membership from the regional bloc.

The best Nigeria had ever achieved was second position at the regional sport competition, which helps to build Regional Integration, Cultural Heritage, and Gender Inclusion.

In third place was Benin Republic which had a decent showing at the competition which ends on Saturday at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja

Nigeria which started strong in the final, met a superior firepower in stronger and more experienced Senegalese wrestlers. The Senegalese secured victories in the 66kg, 86kg, 100kg, and 120kg weight categories and Nigeria managed a single win in the 76kg division. Nigeria however showed remarkable progress as it improves on its third-place finish in 2023 to claim silver as tournament host.

While Senegal claimed the overall team title, Nigerian wrestlers made their mark in individual categories. Ebipatei Lienbofa secured gold in the 66kg division with a victory over Senegal’s Safietou Goudiaby and it is the same for Ebi Bigos who triumphed over Ivorian Youin Amy in the 76kg final.

Nigeria’s neighbour, Benin Republic, came third after grounding an impressive 5-0 result against their Guinean counterparts. The Beniniose rolled over Guinea across all weight categories in the third-place match displaying in depth strength, grit and determination.

Director of the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre, Francis Chuks Njoaguani, commended the high level of competition and the unity promoted by the tournament.

“This was a remarkable improvement for Nigeria. Moving from third to second in just one edition shows growth and determination. Senegal may have won but Nigeria proved they are a rising force in West African wrestling. Beyond the competition, the tournament served as a cultural and sporting milestone.

“Senegal proved they are the best in West African wrestling but this competition is bigger than winning. It’s about celebrating our heritage and the strength of our region. This was a fitting way to mark ECOWAS at 50,” Njoaguani stated.

While Senegal received $10,000 for their efforts, runners-up Nigeria took home $6,000 while third-placed finishers Benin were awarded $3,000.

In the individual events, gold medalists earned $2,000, silver medalists received $1,500 and bronze medalists got $1,000.

The tournament was part of the ECOWAS 50th anniversary celebrations, reinforcing the organisation’s unwavering commitment to regional integration, youth empowerment, and cultural preservation.

In a remarkable display of athletic excellence and sportsmanship where Senegal secured 1st place, Nigeria claimed 2nd, and Benin achieved 3rd, the most significant achievement of the edition was the historic inclusion of female wrestlers, a landmark step toward gender equality in traditional sports, appropriately taking place on International Women’s Day.

This tournament has once again demonstrated the unifying power of sport, strengthening diplomatic ties across West Africa and fostering deeper regional solidarity.

As ECOWAS commemorates five decades of progress, TOLAC continues to serve as a catalyst for cross-border cooperation, paving the way for the international recognition of African wrestling and its enduring contribution to cultural identity and regional cohesion.

Nigeria Place Second Behind Senegal at 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament

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We were sexually abused by our Chinese employers in CAR, rescued Nigerian workers alleged

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We were sexually abused by our Chinese employers in CAR, rescued Nigerian workers alleged

By: Michael Mike

Rescued 12 Nigerian trapped workers in Central African Republic (CAR) on Friday narrated their ordeal on breathing air of freedom in Nigeria, alleging that they were sexually harassed by their Chinese employers while workers at mining site.

The 12 stranded Nigerian men whose video went viral some three weeks ago finally arrived Nigeria and paid an appreciation visit to the NIDCOM office, where they were received by Chairman/ CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and other management staff.

The leader of the rescued workers, Igorigo Freeborn said it is important for the world to know that despite owing them 11 months salaries, “we were homosexually abused by our Chinese employers in CAR.

“I am not ashamed to say it. I want other people to learn from it. We were treated badly there but thank God for sparing our lives to tell the stories today.

“I am one of those people who usually abuse Nigeria and I don’t think anything good can come out of the country but we were all so happy to receive help and succour from Nigeria.

“Let me use this opportunity to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the CAR Ambassador in Bangui, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) ,NEMA, Immigration Service and other government agencies for coming to our rescue almost immediately”, he said.

Freeborn said they had suffered a lot in the past 20 months that they left Nigeria and pleaded with the government to help them redress the injustices meted out to them by their employers.

He recalled how they were left stranded in the forest after work without payment leaving them starving in a harsh and unsafe living conditions. With support from the Presidency Ministry of Foreign Affairs ,NIDCOM, and the Nigerian mission, they were relocated to Bangui, provided with medical care, and eventually brought safely back home.

Welcoming back the returnees to Nigeria, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, assured them that justice will be served as the Commission in conjunction with relevant government agencies would take up the matter on their behalf.

The NIDCOM boss condemned the acts as inhumane and assured that the matter would be pursued to ensure justice is served in line with the citizen diplomacy of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

She counselled them to be of good behaviour and partner with the Commission in its advocacy on irregular migration and its consequences.

NIDCOM through Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa gave some cash support to all the returnees to enable them settle down while expecting their unpaid salaries.

She also called on well meaning Nigerians and corporate organisations to assist the Nigerians to settle down back in the country.

A cash donation from Perchstone and Greys, presented by Mr. Toyin Adenugba on behalf of Dr. Tolu Aderemi, Secretary to the Board of Trustees of the JAALS Foundation, were given to all the 12 returnees.

Adenugba explained that the support was a demonstration of belief in the evacuees’ potential, meant to serve as a seed for rebuilding their lives, supporting their families, and creating new opportunities at home.

Other rescued workers are Rotimi Kupoluyi, Ajosi Julius, Odeh Collins, Anifowoshe Yekini, Akubo Oluwaseun and Olayemi Peter Adewale.

Others were Stephen Abel Otkli, Samuel Ojochenemi, Alih Joel Muhammed, Unekwu Bala and Yusuf Bameyi.
End

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Police arrest MOPOL, security guards over warehouse burglary in Ogun

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Police arrest MOPOL, security guards over warehouse burglary in Ogun

By: Zagazola Makama

The Police in Ogun have arrested a mobile policeman and several security guards for alleged conspiracy, burglary and theft from a warehouse belonging to H.K Printing & Packaging Limited, Agbara.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Aug. 9 at about 11:00 p.m., when a truck drove into the company premises and proceeded to the warehouse, allegedly aided by security operatives on duty.

According to the sources, Insp. Ibrahim James, attached to PMF 16 Abeokuta, was captured on CCTV moving around and allegedly leading the operation.

Another officer, Insp. Olabamipe Olaiya, posted to the same beat, was said to be absent from duty at the time.

The company’s security guards and the implicated police personnel allegedly conspired with others still at large to break into the warehouse and cart away goods whose total value is yet to be ascertained.

Police detectives led by CSP Phillips Abayomi, Acting ACP, Agbara Division, visited the scene and arrested the mobile policeman along with the private security guards on duty during the incident.

The suspects are being interrogated, while efforts are ongoing to track down fleeing accomplices and recover the stolen items.

Police arrest MOPOL, security guards over warehouse burglary in Ogun

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Police launch manhunt for herbalist over alleged ritual killing in Nasarawa

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Police launch manhunt for herbalist over alleged ritual killing in Nasarawa

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nasarawa State Police Command says it is searching for a herbalist, simply identified as Alfa, over alleged involvement in a ritual killing and attempted murder in Mararaba.

It was gathered that the case was reported by one Jamilu Abubakar, a vigilante member.

Abubakar allegedly accompanied two young men to Alfa’s residence on Aug. 12 to seek spiritual assistance purportedly to make more money through internet fraud.

“It was gathered that Alfa prepared a concoction and meat for the victims to eat. Shortly after consuming the meal, both developed severe stomach pain and were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Mararaba.

“Sadly, one of the victims, Ani Sunday, aged 21, was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty, while the second, Tosin Akurunor, is responding to treatment,” said the sources.

He said Abubakar had been arrested for his role in taking the victims to the herbalist, while the main suspect, Alfa, was at large.

Efforts are ongoing to apprehend Alfa and conclude investigations, he added.

Police launch manhunt for herbalist over alleged ritual killing in Nasarawa

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