Cross River State Makes History at Nigeria’s 1st Beach Wrestling at the 4th edition of Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Classics in Yenagoa

By ETTAH EMMANUEL O

Yenagoa, Bayelsa State – Team Cross River delivered a remarkable performance at the 1st Ever Beach Wrestling Championships in Nigeria, held as part of the 4th Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Classics 2025. The state’s athletes demonstrated exceptional skill, discipline, and determination, leaving an enduring mark on this historic event.

Notably, the maiden edition of the Beach Wrestling Championships in Nigeria featured a total of eight (8) gold medals, evenly distributed across genders, with four (4) for female categories and four (4) for male categories, underscoring the inclusive and competitive nature of the tournament.

Cross River’s Medal Tally

• Inah Johnson – Gold 🥇

• Gabriel Ubana Edet – Gold 🥇(55kg category)

• Deborah Ubana Edet – Gold 🥇 (60kg category)

• Mbasekei Lawrence Ubi – Bronze 🥉 (57kg category)

• Agoro Florence Sunday – Bronze 🥉 (49kg category)

This outstanding medal haul underscores the depth of talent within Cross River’s wrestling program, reflecting both technical mastery and the resilience required to excel in beach wrestling. The athletes’ performance earned widespread praise from fans, officials, and fellow competitors alike, showcasing teamwork, sportsmanship, and dedication.

The gold medal victories of Inah Johnson, Deborah Ubana Edet, and Gabriel Ubana Edet were particularly notable, as each athlete triumphed in highly competitive categories, solidifying Cross River State’s reputation as a wrestling powerhouse. The bronze medals won by Mbasekei Lawrence Ubi and Agoro Florence Sunday further highlighted the consistent development of wrestling talent in both male and female divisions.

As the championship unfolded on the sands of Yenagoa, it became evident that Cross River State is not merely participating—it is dominating. This historic outing, especially in a debut competition structured to promote gender balance and national participation, promises to inspire a new generation of athletes and sets the stage for even greater achievements in future national wrestling competitions.

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