The 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament (TOLAC) kicked off today, March 6, 2025, at the Velodrome, MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, Nigeria. Wrestlers from 11 ECOWAS Member States have gathered to showcase their strength, heritage, and unity in this prestigious event. This year’s tournament holds particular significance as it marks the first time female wrestlers have been included, highlighting ECOWAS’ commitment to gender equality and the promotion of traditional sports as a unifying force in West Africa.
Organized by the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre (EYSDC) in collaboration with Nigeria’s National Sports Commission (NSC), TOLAC is a key event in ECOWAS’ 50th Anniversary Celebrations. The tournament reflects the organization’s broader mission to foster regional integration through culture, youth engagement, and sports diplomacy.
The opening ceremony was graced by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, who lauded ECOWAS for using sports to promote regional integration. He expressed Nigeria’s pride in hosting TOLAC for the first time, emphasizing the importance of traditional wrestling in celebrating shared identity and providing opportunities for athletes to excel and gain international recognition.
Ambassador Francis Chuks Njoaguani, representing the ECOWAS Commission, highlighted the tournament’s role in promoting youth development and gender inclusion. He emphasized the historic inclusion of female athletes and underscored ECOWAS’ commitment to preserving and elevating traditional wrestling as a cultural heritage.
The competition promises to be thrilling, with athletes from 11 ECOWAS countries competing across various weight categories in a round-robin team elimination format. Cash prizes have been introduced to motivate athletes, with the winning team set to receive $10,000.
Beyond the competition, the ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament aims to advance the organization’s vision for development, inclusion, and peacebuilding. By promoting traditional African sports globally, creating economic opportunities for athletes, and fostering stronger regional ties through cultural exchange, ECOWAS is working towards a more integrated and prosperous West Africa.
Media coverage is a key focus for ECOWAS, with a call for journalists and broadcasters to maximize the tournament’s visibility across the region and beyond. The organization seeks to showcase the resilience, excellence, and unity emerging from the competition, ensuring that African wrestling gains recognition on the global stage.
As the tournament unfolds, with its mix of thrilling matchups, cultural celebrations, and historic gender inclusion, TOLAC 2025 is poised to make a lasting impact on African sports development. ECOWAS’ blend of tradition and progress is evident in this event, showcasing the organization’s commitment to regional integration and cultural preservation.
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