Joel Ajayi
In a sensational turn of events at the 14th African Armwrestling Championship in Abuja, Nigeria’s Adefunke Afeniforo pulled off the shock of the tournament by toppling long-standing African champion Olaleye Marie of Benin Republic in the hotly contested 65kg women’s category.
Afeniforo, who only took up armwrestling in April 2025, defied all odds to defeat the heavily favored Marie — the same powerhouse who won double gold (left and right hand) at the last African Games and brought home Benin Republic’s first-ever gold medal.
But tonight in Abuja, the underdog became a champion.
The M.K.O. Abiola National Stadium erupted as Afeniforo’s hand was raised — a thunderous celebration of Nigeria’s rise in the sport and a defining moment of Abuja 2025, which continues to deliver surprises.
Speaking moments after her emotional win, Afeniforo said:
> “I still can’t believe this happened. I trained with everything I had, knowing I was up against a legend. I deeply respect Olaleye, but I came here to prove that no dream is too small and no champion is unbeatable. Nigeria believed in me — and this victory is for everyone who never gave up.”
Olaleye, the reigning queen of African armwrestling, had dominated the division for years. But on this night, Afeniforo’s strength, strategy, and unshakable composure proved decisive — possibly signaling the beginning of a new era in African women’s armwrestling.
With medal rounds still ahead and more high-stakes matches on the horizon, the 2025 African Armwrestling Championship is shaping up to be a battleground of giants and fearless challengers.
Stay tuned as Abuja 2025 continues to deliver glory, grit, and unforgettable triumphs.
.
