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13th edition of the ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament: a spectacular finale

On 8 March, the final of the 13th edition of the ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament took place. This major West African traditional wrestling competition, organised by the Centre for Youth and Sports Development, aims to promote unity, social cohesion and the culture of the West African peoples. Over three days, male and female wrestlers from 11 ECOWAS member states put on spectacular bouts, captivating the audience with their skill and determination. The competition took place in two categories: team and individual, for both men and women. The participants’ determination to establish the ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament (TOLAC) as the benchmark event in West Africa was evident through their commitment on the mat. Senegal triumphs in the team competition In the team event, Senegal emerged victorious, clinching the gold medal against Nigeria, the competition’s host nation. Benin and Guinea completed the podium, finishing third and fourth respectively. Remarkable performances in the individual events In the individual events, Senegal shone, winning three gold medals in the men’s 86 kg, 100 kg and 120 kg categories. The silver medals were awarded to: • BONI ILIASSOU (Benin) – 86 kg • CAETANO ANTONIO (Guinea-Bissau) – 100 kg • GINO N'TCHALAH (Guinea-Bissau) – 120 kg The bronze medals went to MUSA ABDALAHI (Nigeria), BADARO ESSO (Togo) and ISSAH FOUSSEINI (Ghana) respectively. In the women’s competition, Nigeria dominated the 66 kg and 76 kg categories, winning two gold medals. • In the 66 kg category, the silver medal was awarded to SAFIETOU GOUDIABY (Senegal), whilst the bronze medal went to BAKOYOKO CÉLINE JOSÉE (Côte d’Ivoire). • In the 76 kg category, YOUIN AMY (Ivory Coast) took silver, and BODJRENOU ROSINE (Benin) claimed bronze. This 13th edition of TOLAC thus drew to a spectacular close, marked by top-class performances and widespread public enthusiasm, confirming the central place of traditional wrestling in West Africa’s sporting and cultural heritage. #TOLAC2024 #AfricanWrestling #TraditionalWrestling #TOLACVictory