The National Armwrestling Open Championship, held at Adamasigba Stadium, Ibadan, brought together the best armwrestlers from across Nigeria in a fierce battle for supremacy.
One of the biggest highlights of the event was Obilom Chibueze Steven, who stamped his authority in the +100kg category, winning gold in both right-hand and left-hand competitions.
His dominance earned him the prestigious title of “King of the Table”, marking a major step in his quest for international success.
“I Challenged Myself to Be Number One in the World”
Steven’s journey into armwrestling began unexpectedly when his coach, Spaco Oracle, discovered him at a gym.
“My coach saw me lifting heavy and introduced me to armwrestling. The fact that he beat me, despite being much smaller, fascinated me. That loss fueled my desire to understand the sport and push myself to be the best,” Steven revealed.
The Championship That Defined His Strength
The National Armwrestling Open Championship saw over 100 athletes from across Nigeria, including participants from Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Imo, Anambra, Kaduna, Bayelsa, and Cross River. The event also served as a key qualifier for the 14th African Armwrestling Championship, set to take place in Abuja in July 2025.
Steven’s performance was one of the tournament’s biggest talking points, proving that he is a force to be reckoned with in the +100kg category.
Winning the Championship and Overcoming Challenges
Though dominant, Steven faced tough opposition in the final. However, a timely reminder from his coach helped him regain balance and activate his “beast mode”, which led him to victory.
“My Right Hand is Stronger, But My Coach Trained Me to Have No Weak Hand”
While Steven admits his right hand is naturally stronger, his coach insisted on training both hands equally.
“He made me stress my left hand just as much as my right, ensuring I had no weaknesses. That balance made all the difference,” he explained.
A Grueling Training Regimen and Future Aspirations
Steven’s training regimen was intense—day and night sessions with minimal rest, as his coach identified and corrected weaknesses. Despite winning in Nigeria, Steven has much bigger ambitions.
“I don’t just see myself as an African champion. I picture myself as the strongest armwrestler in the world. I want to face legends like Devon Larratt one day,” Steven declared.
Advice to Young Armwrestlers: “Go Beyond Your Limits”
For aspiring armwrestlers, Steven emphasizes dedication and discipline.
“Push beyond your limits. And most importantly, always listen to your coach. A great man once told me, ‘The height which great men attained was not gotten by a sudden flight, but when their companions were sleeping, they were toiling at night.’ That’s my mindset,” he shared.
What’s Next for the King of the Table?
With the African Championship and World Stage in his sights, Steven knows his journey is just beginning.
“Now, I must train five times harder. I’ve set my target not just on Africa, but the world. I want to be the best,” he concluded.
With his passion, discipline, and the guidance of Spaco Oracle, Obilom Chibueze Steven is undoubtedly a name to watch in the world of armwrestling.
