On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, the basketball arena of the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, transformed into a hub of intense physical competition as the first-ever Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu Arm Wrestling Championship took center stage. This electrifying event, spearheaded by Nigeria’s renowned business magnate, Otunba Bestman Nze, Managing Director of Image Expression and Nigerian Wrestling Federation brought together a diverse array of sports enthusiasts and arm wrestling Professionals
As the competition commenced, Otunba Bestman Nze, delivered a heartfelt opening remark, highlighting the significance of arm wrestling as an Olympic sport. He emphasized that this championship aimed to raise awareness about the sport’s legitimacy and growth potential in Nigeria.
Despite the absence of financial backing from the state government, Otunba Bestman expressed his gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support and enthusiasm in promoting initiatives that benefit the state’s citizens.
The championship featured a talented pool of competitors who showcased their remarkable strength, resilience, and determination and it was declared open with a ceremonial round performed by the initiator. Mickson Ajiboye and an Arm wrestling member. Dickson Eze.
The event’s emcee, Gbenga Adeyinka D1st effortlessly kept the crowd entertained with his signature humor, while Mr. Dapo Daramola excelled as the moderator. The panel of esteemed referees, including international arm wrestling coach Kate Osho, Femi Anasanya, Miss Adama Blessing, and Adebola Salami, ensured the competition’s integrity and fairness.
Rising Champions and Big Wins: Arm Wrestling Takes Center Stage in Nigeria’s Historic Debut
The tournament’s excitement reached its peak as the contestants battled it out in a series of intense matches, with the field narrowing down to the final two competitors in both the male and female categories. The air was electric with anticipation as the crowd cheered on the finalists. In the end, Oyenusi Olubisi emerged victorious in the female category, while Adedokun Oluwatobiloba Stephen claimed the top spot in the male category.
Oluwa Tobiloba Stephen. Winner of male category
Oyenusi Olubisi. Winner of the female category
The winners were rewarded with substantial cash prizes, with the male champion receiving a cheque of N1,000,000 and the female champion receiving N500,000. Beyond the monetary rewards, the championship left a lasting impact on the participants, who expressed their gratitude to the organizers, Image Expression and Nigerian Wrestling Federation for providing a platform to showcase their skills and promising to return for future events.
As the inaugural Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu Arm Wrestling Championship drew to a close, there was a collective sense of hope and optimism that with continued support from the government and stakeholders, Nigerian arm wrestlers would soon make their mark on the international stage. The event’s success served as a testament to the power of sports to unite and inspire, and it set the stage for a bright future for arm wrestling in Nigeria.
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