ECOWAS Breaks Barriers With Historic Gender-Inclusive Wrestling Tournament
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
For decades, traditional wrestling in West Africa has been a male-dominated sport, deeply rooted in cultural heritage and communal pride.
But in a groundbreaking move, the 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament (TOLAC) has rewritten history by opening its doors to female wrestlers for the first time.
The tournament, which kicked off on March 6, 2025, at the Velodrome, MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, has brought together top wrestlers from 11 ECOWAS Member States.
The event is part of ECOWAS’ 50th Anniversary Celebrations and represents a major leap forward for gender inclusion in sports across the region.
The tournament is not just about competition but also empowerment, with cash prizes of up to $10,000.
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, noted that traditional wrestling serves as an economic lifeline for many young athletes, offering them career pathways and international recognition.
Director of the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre, Ambassador Francis Njoaguani, emphasised that the participation of female wrestlers signals a transformative shift in the fight for gender equality in sports.
As the tournament continues until March 8, this historic edition of TOLAC is proving that West African wrestling is no longer just a man’s game but a sport for all.
