Olympics: Sport minister backs Blessing Oborududu to win gold

The Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, has urged Blessing Oborududu to go all out and clinch gold for Nigeria in the Women’s Wrestling event at the ongoing 2024 Olympic Games.

This is coming on the heels of the veteran wrestling sensation securing a spot on Monday in the semifinals of the Women’s freestyle 68kg wrestling event.

“Blessing Oborududu has shown incredible resilience and skill throughout her journey.

“After winning silver at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, she has the experience and determination to go for gold this time.
“We believe in her abilities and are cheering her on to make Nigeria proud once again,” Enoh said.

The minister assured her that the whole nation was solidly behind her in her quest to better the silver she won in Tokyo 2020.

“Blessing, you have already made history and inspired countless Nigerians with your strength and perseverance.

“Now, it’s time to aim for the gold medal, the entire nation is behind you, and we are confident that you have what it takes to reach the top of the podium.

“Go out there and give it your all, we are with you every step of the way,” Enoh added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oborududu delivered a commanding performance, defeating France’s Koumba Larroque 6-2 in a fiercely contested quarterfinal bout.

The match saw Oborududu overcome a challenging start, as she initially trailed her opponent.

She, however, demonstrated her resilience and skill, taking a 3-2 lead before ultimately sealing the victory with a 6-2 scoreline.

Notwithstanding the enthusiastic support for the home favorite from the French crowd at the Champ-de-Mars Arena, the Nigerian maintained her composure and clinched the win.

NAN reports that Oborududu will at 8 pm on Monday face Meerim Zhumanazarova of Kyrgyzstan in the semifinal.

The matchup is a rematch of their encounter at the Yasar Dogu championship in 2022, where Oborududu triumphed with a 3-2 victory to win the gold medal.

(NAN)