‘Blessing’s saga is not one of defeat but of triumph in the face of adversity,’ Igali pays tribute to a true warrior, Oborodudu

President of Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali has paid tribute to Blessing Oborodudu, the 35-year-old Nigerian who made history as the first wrestler, man or woman, to win a Wrestling medal for Nigeria.

Oborodudu achieved the historic feat three years ago at the Tokyo Olympics came close to repeating her feat at the Paris 2024 Olympics. She was stopped in the bronze medal match, losing 3-0 to Japan’s Nonoka Ozaki.

Igali says Nigerians should look beyond the loss and celebrate a woman of courage who was deemed her unfit to partake in the battle of champions that the Olympic stage represents.

Igali took to his X page to pay the following tribute to the Bayelsa woman.

‘In the arena where wrestlers grapple with fate, a figure emerges, casting a shadow as deep as the roots of the Iroko tree.

‘Blessing Oborududu, a name whispered with reverence across the Nigerian plains, stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of daunting odds.

‘Her journey weaves a narrative of courage and fortitude, etched in the sands of time for generations to behold.

‘Amidst the Parisian backdrop of the 2024 Olympics, Blessing found herself at a crossroads, her path obstructed by the harsh decree of a stress fracture on her femur. The head doctors of the Ministry of Sports Development, in their wisdom, deemed her unfit to partake in the battle of champions. Yet, Blessing refused to succumb to the whispers of doubt and despair.

‘With a pen in hand and determination in her heart, she penned an oath, shouldering the weight of her destiny with a steely resolve.

‘Against the counsel of the wise, she ventured forth onto the hallowed mat, a warrior with a spirit unbroken.

‘Her journey, marked by trials and tribulations, culminated in a valiant effort that fell just short in the bronze medal match, a testament to her unwavering spirit and dedication to her craft.

‘Blessing’s saga is not one of defeat but of triumph in the face of adversity. She embodies the essence of the Nigerian spirit – resilient, unyielding, and steadfast in the pursuit of greatness.

‘To those who may hang their heads in disappointment, let them instead look upon Blessing as a beacon of hope, a symbol of perseverance that transcends the boundaries of the wrestling arena.

‘Blessing Oborududu, in the tapestry of Nigerian sports history, you are a thread of gold, woven with the fibers of courage and honor. It will be difficult to ever replace you.

‘Your story will echo through the ages, a reminder that in the face of adversity, true greatness shines brightest. The Nigeria wrestling federation is immensely proud of you!’