The National Open Armwrestling Championship, held in Oyo State, has been praised as one of the best-organized editions in recent history, despite facing challenges in logistics, sponsorship, and training equipment.
The Oyo State Armwrestling Team also delivered an impressive performance, winning 15 medals (5 Gold, 7 Silver, and 3 Bronze).
Speaking exclusively to Sports247, the team’s coach, Ilesanmi Osideko, expressed pride in Oyo State’s successful hosting of the championship and its impact on the growth of armwrestling in the region.
“Hosting the National Open Armwrestling Championship in Oyo State was a huge achievement for us. The competition brought together top athletes from across the country, and the excitement it generated has inspired many young talents to take an interest in the sport,” he stated.
However, organizing a national event of this magnitude was not without its difficulties. Coach Osideko highlighted challenges in securing sponsorships and providing sufficient training facilities.
Despite these obstacles, the determination of the organizing team and strong support from the armwrestling community ensured a seamless and competitive tournament.
The Oyo State Armwrestling Team showcased its strength, winning 5 gold, 7 silver, and 3 bronze medals. Funke Afeniforo (2 golds), Noah Adeola, Ferdinand Rita, and Osewa Toyosi emerged as gold medalists, while Akingbade Taiwo, Omolara Adegoke, and Sola Salami earned silver, and John Olomo and Stephen Ogu contributed to the team’s bronze tally.
Reflecting on the competition, Coach Osideko emphasized the importance of building on this momentum.
“This championship has given us valuable experience. We have identified key areas to improve, especially in strength conditioning and endurance. Moving forward, we will focus on grassroots development, organizing more local competitions, and integrating armwrestling into school sports,” he told Sports247.
With Oyo State now gaining recognition as a stronghold for armwrestling in Nigeria, the team is committed to overcoming future challenges by strengthening training programs, acquiring better equipment, and gaining international exposure.
“Our goal is to make Oyo State a dominant force in armwrestling, not just in Nigeria, but across Africa and the world,” Osideko concluded.
