Tokyo 2021 Olympic silver medalist and 14-time African champion, Blessing Oborududu, has officially ended her storied wrestling career with an emotional farewell at the 2024 National Sports Festival in Abeokuta.
Representing Team Bayelsa, the 36-year-old sealed her final appearance with a huge victory to win gold on Wednesday, drawing the curtain on a 19-year career.
The wrestling arena fell into a poignant silence as Oborududu took her final bow, before erupting into a standing ovation.
National teammates, fans, coaches, and officials from the Nigeria Wrestling Federation paid tribute to a woman many described as the greatest female wrestler in African history.
Oborududu gave a heartfelt farewell speech filled with gratitude and emotion at the end of her competition.
“I want to thank everyone who has been part of my journey — the Nigeria Wrestling Federation led by Daniel Igali and the board members, my teammates, and my family,” Oborududu said, fighting back tears.
“After the Olympics, I thought of retiring, but the President suggested I retire officially at the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, where I made my first appearance as a young wrestler back in 2006.”
Speaking on her career, Oborududu singled out her history-making silver medal at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics as her most cherished moment.
“I created a lot of memories, but my most memorable one was the Tokyo Olympics.”
“That medal ignited hope across Africa. I pray more medals will come for our future wrestlers.”
President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali, paid glowing tribute to the outgoing champion, describing her as “a once-in-a-generation athlete” whose impact extended far beyond the mat.
“The type of Blessing is not easy to come by and not easy to replace,” Igali said.
“People ask, ‘How are you going to replace Blessing?’ The truth is, you can’t. You might have another athlete, but not another Blessing.
“She is more than a champion; she’s a mentor, a role model, and a big sister to the younger wrestlers.”
“Many of them live with her, and she takes care of them like family. That alone, for me, is greater than being a champion on the mat.”
Oborududu retires as Nigeria’s most decorated female wrestler, having blazed a trail for generations to come.
