Despite a defeat in the final of the Women’s Wrestling 68kg, Blessing Oborududu went home with the Silver Medal in another podium finish for Team Nigeria.
Oborodudu had already guaranteed a medal for Team Nigeria when she qualified for the final of the wrestling event.
She, however, had to settle for a Silver Medal after losing to Tamyra Stock-Mensah in the final. She put in a spirited effort but succumbed 4-1 to her opponent to settle for a Silver Medal.
But unknown to millions who watched Oborududu wrestle her way to win Silver in the 68kg freestyle women wrestling event at the Tokyo Olympics, she actually defied a nagging knee injury to become the first Nigerian to win a medal in the event.
According to the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the Nigerian Wrestling Federation, Dr Daniel Igali, “She did her best. We have been treating that tender knee all through the Olympics. I was surprised she was able to take a full double attack.”
The Minister of Youth and Sports Development Chief Sunday Dare has assured that the knee will be fixed in any country of her choice when she gets back to Nigeria and settles down.
The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports added “Coming here to Tokyo I would have gladly taken a bronze from Blessing. This is a precious record-breaking silver and I’m so so proud of her. Thanks, everyone for the massive support. We look forward to another great performance.”
Oborududu entered the record books as the first Nigerian to win a wrestling medal at the Olympics.
Her Silver Medal is also Nigeria’s second medal at the ongoing Olympics after Ese Brume won a Bronze Medal in the Long Jump event earlier.
