The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reaffirmed 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 Velodrome of the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on March 8, marked a historic milestone in ECOWAS’ 50th Anniversary celebrations.
The tournament, which coincided with International Women’s Day, highlighted the role of sports in fostering solidarity among member states while reinforcing ECOWAS’ dedication to gender equality in athletics. Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, commended ECOWAS for leveraging traditional sports as a tool for unity and development.
Dikko praised Senegal for emerging as the overall team champion, with Nigeria and Benin securing second and third places, respectively. He emphasized that traditional wrestling is more than a sport—it embodies Africa’s rich cultural identity, resilience, and discipline. Dikko reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for ECOWAS’ efforts to use sports as a vehicle for peace and regional development.
A defining feature of TOLAC 2025 was the historic inclusion of female wrestlers, marking a significant step toward gender equality in traditional sports. This initiative aligns with ECOWAS’ broader vision of ensuring equal opportunities across all sectors. The tournament’s conclusion on International Women’s Day underscored the importance of inclusivity, demonstrating that cultural heritage and gender progress can coexist under ECOWAS’ leadership.
In the women’s division, Nigeria’s Ebipatei Lienbofa and Ebi Bigos triumphed in the 66KG and 76KG weight categories, respectively, while Senegal’s Siny Sembene, Gora Niang, and Ngagne Sene dominated the men’s 86KG, 100KG, and 120KG classes.
Delivering the closing address on behalf of ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, Ambassador Francis Chuks Njoaguani, Director of the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre, highlighted the transformative role of traditional wrestling in promoting regional cooperation. He stated that beyond competition, the sport serves as a unifying force that strengthens social cohesion.
The event also provided a platform for discussions on the economic potential of traditional wrestling, with stakeholders calling for greater investment in athletes to build sustainable careers while preserving Africa’s sporting heritage.
As ECOWAS marks its golden jubilee, the success of TOLAC 2025 stands as a testament to its enduring vision for a united and prosperous West Africa. With a renewed focus on traditional sports as a tool for regional development, ECOWAS aims to elevate African wrestling to international recognition.
As the tournament sets a benchmark for future editions, the question remains: how can West African nations build on this momentum to ensure that sports not only preserve cultural traditions but also drive economic growth and youth empowerment?
