By Eunice Nnachi, Yenagoa
Top contenders Pakistan Alfred and Augustine Okuro reaffirmed their dominance in the Greco-Roman category, while Harrison Onovwiomogbohwo stole the spotlight with a breakthrough performance at the 4th edition of the Governor Douye Diri Wrestling Classics in Yenagoa.
Alfred, representing NSCDC, successfully defended his 67kg title with a commanding display, defeating all his opponents in a round-robin contest to secure gold. His consistency and technical superiority underscored his status as one of the division’s finest wrestlers.
In the 130kg super heavyweight class, Delta State’s Okuro also retained his crown in emphatic fashion. He outclassed his challengers with ease, winning all his bouts by technical superiority. Bayelsa’s Akene Ebi settled for silver, while Hamza Shuaibu of the Nigeria Army and Ipanbu Somina claimed bronze medals.
The biggest highlight of the day, however, came from Bayelsa’s Onovwiomogbohwo, who clinched his first-ever Greco-Roman gold medal in the 97kg category. The freestyle specialist dethroned Nigeria Army’s Tobechukwu Udeh in a thrilling final to emerge champion. Elebiju Omoniyi (Defence) and Martin Aziba (John Cashing Club) secured bronze, while Long-Life Okokoro of Dynamite Club finished with silver.
Bayelsa State dominated the Greco-Roman events, finishing top of the medal table with an impressive haul of eight medals—four gold, one silver, and three bronze. Delta State followed in second place with two gold and one bronze medal.
Earlier in the competition, Bayelsa’s Ogidi Peredeiaha claimed gold in the 55kg category, while Dick Enibode of Edo State triumphed in the 60kg division. Terry Godfred added another gold for Bayelsa in the 63kg class, and Matthew Godstime topped the podium in the 72kg event.
In the 77kg category, Delta State’s Oke Ituru emerged champion, defeating strong competition that included Richard Alex of the Nigeria Army, who took silver.
The ongoing championship, now in its fourth edition, continues to showcase Nigeria’s wrestling depth and growing competitiveness across states and clubs, with athletes vying for honours in both Greco-Roman and freestyle events.
