The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reinforced its commitment to regional integration, cultural heritage, and gender inclusion with the successful conclusion of the 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament (TOLAC 2025). The grand closing ceremony, held at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on March 8, marked a historic moment in ECOWAS’ 50th-anniversary celebrations. Coinciding with International Women’s Day, the event underscored the role of sports in fostering unity while promoting gender equality in athletics.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, praised ECOWAS for using traditional sports as a tool for regional development. He commended Senegal for emerging as the overall team champion, with Nigeria and Benin securing second and third places. Dikko emphasized that traditional wrestling is more than a sport—it embodies Africa’s rich cultural identity, resilience, and discipline. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting ECOWAS in leveraging sports for peace and development.
A major highlight of TOLAC 2025 was the historic inclusion of female wrestlers, marking a significant step toward gender equality in traditional sports. The tournament’s conclusion on International Women’s Day symbolized the fusion of cultural heritage and progress under ECOWAS’ leadership. Nigeria’s Ebipatei Lienbofa and Ebi Bigos claimed victory in the women’s 66KG and 76KG categories, while Senegal’s Siny Sembene, Gora Niang, and Ngagne Sene dominated the men’s 86KG, 100KG, and 120KG classes.
Delivering the closing remarks on behalf of ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, Ambassador Francis Chuks Njoaguani, the Director of the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre highlighted the transformative power of traditional wrestling in strengthening regional cooperation. Beyond competition, the event sparked discussions on the economic potential of the sport, with calls for greater investment in athletes to create sustainable careers while preserving Africa’s sporting heritage.
As ECOWAS celebrates its golden jubilee, the success of TOLAC 2025 stands as a testament to its vision for a united and prosperous West Africa. With a renewed focus on traditional sports as a catalyst for regional growth, the challenge now lies in how West African nations can sustain this momentum—ensuring that sports not only preserve cultural traditions but also drive economic development and empower the youth.