Nigerian wrestling icon and Olympic silver medallist, Blessing Oborududu. Officially ended her illustrious wrestling career with a golden performance at the 2024 National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
Competing for Bayelsa, the 14-time African champion clinched gold in her final bout on Wednesday. Marking a fitting end to her competitive journey.
Remarkably, Oborududu’s wrestling career began in Ogun State. At the 2006 Gateway Games the same venue where she bowed out 18 years later.
Her journey, which reached its pinnacle with a historic silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, has inspired a new generation of Nigerian athletes.
Now 36, Oborududu is shifting her focus from competition to mentorship. She revealed plans to nurture emerging talents through the Blessing Oborududu Foundation. A platform she established to develop the next generation of Nigerian wrestling icon and champions.“I love grooming young talents and I’ve already started something meaningful,” she said.
“With my foundation, I hope to produce more champions for Nigeria.”
Her retirement ceremony at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic Centre in Ikenne was filled with emotional tributes from teammates, fans, officials, and stakeholders. She expressed deep gratitude to the Nigeria Wrestling Federation. Especially its president Daniel Igali, her teammates, and her family for their unwavering support.
“After the Olympics, I considered retiring, but President Igali encouraged me to make it official at this year’s festival in Abeokuta the same place where it all began in 2006,” she explained.
Reflecting on her career, Oborududu cited her Tokyo 2020 Olympic medal as her proudest moment. Noting its significance as the first ever Olympic wrestling medal won by an African woman. She hopes her legacy will inspire more female wrestlers to rise and make history for Nigeria.
