ABUJA, March 8 (AGCNewsNet) – A total of 55 athletes from 11 countries have gathered in Abuja to compete in the 13th ECOWAS African Traditional Wrestling Tournament, an event celebrating the regional body's 50th anniversary. Each participating nation has fielded five wrestlers alongside four technical officials. 

At the opening ceremony held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, underscored the tournament's significance. He emphasized that the competition aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of leveraging sports to promote peace, unity, and economic development across West Africa. 

Dikko described traditional wrestling as more than just a sport, calling it a symbol of African heritage that fosters resilience, strength, and discipline. He lauded ECOWAS and the Traditional Sports Federation of Nigeria for their efforts in organizing the event, reaffirming the NSC's commitment to using sports as a tool for youth empowerment and regional integration. 

NSC Director General, Bukola Olapade, echoed these sentiments, highlighting President Tinubu’s dedication to sports as a unifying force within ECOWAS. He assured visiting athletes and officials of Nigeria’s renowned hospitality, promising a memorable tournament. 

Ambassador Francis Chuks Njoaguani, Director of the Economic Youth and Sports Development Center (EYSDC), emphasized the broader impact of traditional wrestling, noting its role in fostering intercultural exchange, reducing social tensions, and combating violent extremism. 

The tournament is set to showcase Africa’s rich cultural heritage while strengthening bonds among ECOWAS nations, promoting unity, and driving sustainable development through sports.

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