Nigeria’s Odunayo Adekuoroye, an Olympian, currently holds the top global ranking in the 57 kg category with 49,000 points, as per the latest rankings from United World Wrestling.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) states that Odunayo Adekuoroye’s outstanding performance in wrestling at the ongoing African Games in Ghana secured her current ranking.
Adekuoroye clinched the gold medal in the 57kg category by defeating Zineb Hassoune of Morocco with a pinfall.
According to NAN, Anastasia Nichita of Moldova holds the second position with 47,200 points, while Tsugumi Sakurai of Japan occupies the third place with 45,000 points.
Expressing his delight, Daniel Igali, the president of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, commended Adekuoroye’s achievement, despite her limited participation in competitions.
“This ranking gives us added motivation to prepare adequately for the Olympics,” he said.
He added that they had just finished the African championships in Alexandria.
“We came with 15 athletes, won 9 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze medals. We had 10 women, won 9 gold and 1 silver in the female style.
“We are now getting ready for the 2024 Oceania/Africa Olympic qualifiers, which start on March 22, Greco Roman on the 22nd, female wrestling on the 23rd, and freestyle on the 24th. Our goal is to qualify for about five or six slots,” he said.