Odunayo Adekuoroye, Nigerian three times Commonwealth Games champions, returned to the match one year after winning a gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham
Adekurouye defeated Ebi James of Bayelsa state 10 to 0 points (Technical Superiority) to retain her 57kg national title at the just concluded 2nd Gov Diri National Wrestling Championship in Yenegoa, Bayelsa state.
The seven times African Champion and reigning Commonwealth Champion Adekuoroye, who returned to the match one year after winning a gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham told www.aclsports.com that she is excited to wrestle in front of the Nigerian wrestling community.
The 2017 World Silver medallist promised to give her best when Nigeria features at the 2023 World Wrestling Championships in Serbia next September.
She said, “I feel great and happy to be back in Nigeria. This is my first tournament after the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and I am excited to be back on the mat. There is a lot of work to be done but I believe I will get it right.
“I am going to put in my very best at the forthcoming 2023 World Wrestling Championships in Serbia next September 2023. I have been at various World Championships in the last 10 years and there is no room for flaws.”
When asked about younger athletes who look up to her, Adekuoroye said, ‘’I urge them to be determined and focus on their dream. I was once like them and today proud of myself. I believe if they work hard and respect their coaches, they will get to the top.”
In January 2023, Odunayo Adekuoroye was appointed assistant wrestling coach at Wayland Baptist University in the United States.
