May 28, (THEWILL) – Tokyo 2021 Olympic silver medalist, Blessing Oborududu, has brought her illustrious wrestling career to an emotional end after 19 years on the mat.
The 14-time African champion ended on a high note, winning gold for Team Bayelsa at the ongoing National Sports Festival in Abeokuta—her final competitive appearance.
Oborududu, who hails from Bayelsa State, received a standing ovation from fans, officials, teammates, and stakeholders in the wrestling community during her farewell.
National teammates led tributes in an emotional ceremony that marked the end of an era in Nigerian wrestling.
Delivering her farewell speech, a tearful Oborududu said, “I want to thank everyone who has been part of my journey—the Nigeria Wrestling Federation led by Daniel Igali and its board members, my teammates, and my family.
“After the Olympics, I considered retiring, but the President encouraged me to officially bow out at the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, the same place I made my debut as a young wrestler back in 2006.”
Reflecting on her career, she added, “I created a lot of memories, but my most cherished was winning silver at the Tokyo Olympics. It wasn’t just a medal for me—it ignited hope across Africa. It was the first-ever Olympic medal by an African woman in wrestling, and I hope it inspires many more in the future.”
President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Hon. Daniel Igali, praised Oborududu’s contributions to the sport, describing her as a rare gem.
He stated, “Blessing is exceptional—an absolute professional. Athletes like her are not easy to come by, and certainly not easy to replace.
“People ask me, ‘Who will replace Blessing?’ But the truth is, you don’t replace a Blessing Oborududu. You may get another good wrestler, but not this Blessing. It’s bittersweet—because the selfish part of you wishes she could compete forever. “
She’s not just a champion on the mat; she’s a mentor and big sister to many of these wrestlers who live with her and whom she takes care of like family.”
Teammate Hannah Reuben led the tributes, expressing admiration for Oborududu’s achievements and leadership.
Reuben said, “We are so grateful for her years of service, her dedication, and her impact—not just as a wrestler, but as a great captain and teammate.
“We wish her the very best in her next chapter.”
Blessing Oborududu retires as Nigeria’s most decorated female wrestler and a trailblazer for African women in the sport.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
