In a historic outing at the 14th African Armwrestling Championship held in Abuja, the Oyo State Armwrestling Team made Nigeria proud with an astonishing medal haul and a standout performances that shook the continent.
Representing Nigeria, the team delivered a total of 30 medals — 9 gold, 9 silver, and 12 bronze across various left-hand and right-hand categories, placing Oyo at the heart of Nigeria’s growing dominance in the sport.
Leading the charge was Adefunke Afeniforo, who etched her name into African armwrestling history by defeating the long-reigning champion Olaleye Marie of Benin Republic in the women’s 65kg category.
Marie, a double gold medalist at the last African Games, had been undefeated for years until she met Afeniforo in Abuja.
Afeniforo, who only began armwrestling in April 2025, defied all odds to claim three gold medals and one silver, emerging as one of the biggest revelations of the tournament, and the first Oyo athlete to win senior gold at the championship
“I still can’t believe this happened,” an emotional Afeniforo revealed after her triumph. “I knew I was facing a legend. I respect Olaleye deeply, but I came here to prove something that no dream is too small, and no champion is unbeatable. This win is for everyone who never gave up.”
The crowd inside the M.K.O. Abiola National Stadium erupted as her victory was announced, a defining moment not only for her but for Nigerian sports.
Other standout performers from Oyo State included Lara Adegoke and Daniel Olaniyan, who each won two gold medals. Daramola Babatunde and Mamud Aminu contributed one gold each, with several other athletes securing silver and bronze medals across both hands.
Oyo State Armwrestling Medal Summary:
🥇 Gold (9):
Afeniforo Funke (3)
Lara Adegoke (2)
Daniel Olaniyan (2)
Daramola Babatunde (1)
Mamud Aminu (1)
🥈 Silver (9):
Afeniforo Funke (1)
Shola Salami (1)
Daramola Babatunde (2)
Mimo Olabode (2)
Bashir Waliyulha (1)
Mamud Aminu (1)
🥉 Bronze (12):
Tomiwa Johnson (2)
Adekunyo Ojo (1)
Reuben Onyebuchi (1)
Gerald Olurunfonsho (2)
Shola Salami (1)
Wojoula Olasupo (2)
Bashir Waliyulha (1)
Tajudeen Balogun (2)
The team was ably guided by Coach Ilesanmi Osideko, Assistant Coach Alabi Olasunkanmi, Secretary Olaleye Akintunde, and Helper Olaseni Abiodun, whose support played a key role in the team’s performance.
Osideko, speaking on behalf of Team Oyo and the entire crew, expressed his profound gratitude to Afia Group, whose sponsorship enabled the team’s participation at the Team Nigeria training camp and ensured their successful representation at the continental championship.
While congratulating the team, Engr. Abduljelyl Adekunle Karheem MCIArb, MCIOB, МСАВЕ (Mogaji Adanla), CEO, Afia Homes & Properties, described the victory as a testament to their hard work and dedication.
“This, indeed, is a well-deserved victory for Oyo State, and another plus for the people’s governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde,” Mogaji Adanla, the Turaki Adinni of Oyo State, stated.
