Nigerian wrestling legend, Blessing Oborududu, has called time on an illustrious career, ending her 19-year journey with a gold medal for Bayelsa at the National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist — and 14-time African champion — received an emotional farewell from fans, teammates, and officials as she stepped off the mat for the last time.
The Bayelsa-born star clinched gold in her final bout, bringing her story full circle at the same venue where she made her National Sports Festival debut as a teenage wrestler back in 2006.
Fighting back tears, Oborududu paid tribute to those who supported her journey.
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I want to thank everyone who has been part of my journey — the Nigeria Wrestling Federation led by Daniel Igali, the board members, my teammates, and my family,” she said.
After the Olympics, I thought of retiring, but the President suggested I retire officially here in Abeokuta, where it all started for me. I’ve made a lot of memories, but Tokyo remains my most memorable moment — that medal was the first ever by an African woman in wrestling at the Olympics, and I hope more will come for future wrestlers.”
The moment wasn’t lost on Nigeria Wrestling Federation President, Daniel Igali, who praised Oborududu as a rare gem in Nigerian sports.
Athletes like Blessing are not easy to come by, and even harder to replace. It’s bittersweet because you want someone like this to compete forever,” Igali said.
She’s not just a champion on the mat — she’s a mentor, a big sister, a professional in every sense. Many of the younger wrestlers live with her and she looks after them. That heart is worth more than any medal.”
Teammate Hannah Reuben also led a moving tribute from the athletes, describing Oborududu as “a role model, a committed leader, and the heartbeat of the team.”
Oborududu retires as one of Nigeria’s most decorated athletes — a trailblazer whose impact will be felt far beyond the mat.
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