With just 48 hours to go, the 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament is set to kick off in Abuja, bringing together top wrestling nations from across West Africa. While 12 countries were initially expected, Cape Verde will not be attending, and defending champions Niger, along with Burkina Faso, are absent following their exit from ECOWAS.

The tournament, holding from March 6th to 8th at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, comes at a historic moment as ECOWAS celebrates its 50th anniversary.

 Wrestling powerhouses from the region have already arrived, eager to stake their claim for glory while contributing to the milestone celebration of the regional body’s achievements over the past five decades.

At a Press Conference on Tuesday, March 3, 2025 at its headquarters, Francis Chuks Njoaguani, Director of the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre, described the event as a critical platform for regional integration and sports development.

“This competition is not just about wrestling; it’s about fostering unity among our nations. The passion, talent, and spirit of the athletes truly represent the values of ECOWAS,” he said.

He further explained the choice of wrestling as the region’s official traditional sport, highlighting its deep cultural significance. 

“Wrestling has been a part of our heritage for centuries, passed down through generations as a symbol of strength, honor, and community. It was only natural for ECOWAS to adopt it as the unifying traditional sport of the region,” he added.

Femi Ajao, an NSC official and former Secretary General of the Traditional Sports Federation of Nigeria, assured that all logistics, including security and transportation, have been properly arranged. “We have ensured that each country has dedicated transport and security escorts for seamless movement. The safety of every athlete, coach, and official remains our top priority,” he emphasized.

On media coverage, Ikana Mbora, Deputy Director of the National Sports Commission, highlighted the comprehensive plans in place to keep fans engaged. “We have put together a strong media team to provide updates, interviews, and highlights throughout the tournament. Wrestling fans across West Africa will not miss a single moment of the action,” he assured.

With the stage now fully set, anticipation is at an all-time high as the best wrestlers in the region prepare to battle for supremacy in Abuja, with the added motivation of making history at ECOWAS’ golden jubilee celebration.