Ogunsanya secures Nigeria's first medal at World Wrestling Ranking Series in Mongolia
via Punch Nigeria8 min read
African champion Christianah Ogunsanya has won Nigeria's first medal at the World Wrestling Ranking Series in Mongolia, claiming a bronze medal in the women's competition. Ogunsanya defeated Mongolia's Bayanmunkh in the bronze medal bout. Her campaign began with a 10-0 victory over Mongolia's Tsovoo Gankhuyag before a defeat to Japan's Kiyooka M. Nigeria narrowly missed another medal when Commonwealth champion Mercy Genesis lost her bronze medal contest to Turkey's Evin Demirhan. Nigeria women’s wrestling coach, Purity Akuh, praised Ogunsanya's achievement, stating it demonstrates Nigeria's ability to compete with leading wrestling nations and elite athletes. Akuh also noted the valuable experience gained by the wrestlers and himself, which will aid in preparing for future competitions, including the 2028 Olympic Games. He thanked the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Bashir Adeniyi, for enabling the team's participation. Attention now turns to the remaining bouts involving Esther Kolawole and Hannah Damola Ojo as Team Nigeria aims for more medals.
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Award-winning music composer Tolu Obanro, known for his work on films like Gangs of Lagos and Jagun Jagun, discussed his love for football and his journey as a Chelsea supporter. Obanro, who plays for the ECWA football club, maintains his physical fitness through regular training and matches. He revealed that he once aspired to be a professional footballer, nearly joining an U-17 team, but his family prioritized education. Despite a childhood leg injury from playing football, he continued to play throughout his primary school, secondary school, and university years, even playing against Bayelsa United during his National Youth Service Corps. Obanro began supporting Chelsea due to the presence of Didier Drogba and other black players, as well as Hernan Crespo, Arjen Robben, and Joe Cole. He expressed disappointment with Chelsea's recent performance, stating that the club "is breaking hearts" and that he has "given up" on expecting major achievements unless there is greater consistency. If he were to compose a theme for Chelsea, he humorously suggested it would reflect a "cruel world."
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Cyclists in Lagos, in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of Nigeria and road safety officials, participated in an awareness ride to mark the 2026 World Bicycle Day. The event aimed to promote cycling as a safe, affordable, and environmentally friendly mode of transport, while also calling for better infrastructure for riders. The rally, organized by the Cycling Federation of Nigeria, FT Cycle Care, and the Federal Road Safety Corps, began at the National Stadium, Surulere, and concluded at the FRSC office in Lagos. Femi Thomas, a board member of the Cycling Federation of Nigeria, emphasized the importance of encouraging bicycle use and raising awareness among other road users about cyclists' rights. Kehinde Hamzat, the Lagos State Sector Commander of the FRSC, urged cyclists to adhere to traffic regulations and called on the government to consider cyclists when constructing roads. The global theme for World Bicycle Day 2026 was "Boosting Urban Life with the Bicycle," highlighting cycling's role in addressing urban mobility challenges.