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TOLAC 2025: Senegal once again reigns supreme in African wrestling

The 13th edition of the ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament (TOLAC), which opened on Thursday 6 March 2025, came to a close on Saturday 8 March. Eleven ECOWAS member states took part in the competition. Only Cape Verde was not represented. The closing ceremony featured performances by traditional troupes and a parade of the participating delegations. It took place in the presence of several Nigerian officials, including the Minister for Youth, the Chair of the National Sports Commission and the Director-General of Sports. Ambassadors, including those from Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal to Nigeria, were also present. Following some impressive bouts, Senegal claimed the title for this edition, thereby confirming its dominance in African wrestling. A competition promoting development and regional integration Speaking to the press, the Nigerian Minister for Youth congratulated the participants and emphasised that the staging of this 13th edition demonstrates the Nigerian authorities’ commitment to promoting sport as a means of developing skills and fostering the fulfilment of young people in the region. He praised the dynamism of the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre, whose commitment has made it possible to deliver a thrilling competition for wrestling enthusiasts. The introduction of a women’s category further reinforces wrestling’s place within gender equality policies in West Africa. The presence of senior Nigerian officials at this event illustrates the government’s interest in African wrestling. The chairman of the Nigerian National Sports Commission encouraged this momentum and expressed his hope that the sport would continue to thrive. For his part, the Director of the ECOWAS Centre for Youth and Sports Development, His Excellency Francis Chuks Njoaguani, thanked the Nigerian authorities for hosting this anniversary edition of the tournament. He also expressed his gratitude to the ECOWAS Commission, the organising committee, the officials and the volunteers. He welcomed the commitment of stakeholders to strengthening the role of African wrestling as a means of promoting peace, friendship and regional integration. He also praised the hospitality of the Nigerian people and thanked all the delegations and athletes who contributed to the success of this memorable edition. In his view, every athlete performed admirably: through their dedication, they continue to inspire present and future generations, thereby strengthening solidarity, humanity and the sharing of cultural values across the region. As a reminder, ECOWAS will celebrate its fiftieth anniversary in 2025. Sporting events, including the TOLAC, form an integral part of the commemorative celebrations for this anniversary, highlighting the importance of sport in strengthening ties between the peoples of the region. #TOLAC2025 #AfricanWrestling #TraditionalWrestling #TOLACVictory