Nigerian soldiers win gold, silver at world wrestling championship

Two Nigerian soldiers, Corporal Hannah Reuben and Lance Corporal Ojolaide Esther, won gold and silver medals respectively at the ongoing 36th World Military Wrestling Championship in Azerbaijan.

The Director of Defence Information of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, disclosed this in a statement and pictures posted on the force's official X handle on Sunday.

According to the statement, Corporal Hannah Reuben beat her Italian contender in the 68-weight category of women's freestyle wrestling to lift the gold medal, while Lance Corporal Ojolaide Esther got a silver medal in the 72-weight earlier at the event.

The statement partly read, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria wrestling team made an indelible mark on the global stage, setting a record and garnering widespread acclaim.

“The feat was achieved by female wrestler, Corporal Hannah Reuben who beat her Italian contender in the 68 weight category of women's freestyle wrestling to lift the gold medal.

“The medal was presented to Corporal Reuben by the Vice President of the International Military Sports Council, Mr. Dirk Shwede.

“It could be recalled that this is the first time the Armed Forces of Nigeria is securing a gold medal since participating at the CISM World Wrestling Championship.

“Another commendable performance was by Lance Corporal Ojolaide Esther who got a silver medal in the 72 weight earlier at the event.”

The statement further read that the Chief of Defence Training and Operations, Major General Emmanuel Onumajuru, who represented the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the Director of Sports, Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Abidemi Marquis, were present to witness the glory.

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