Olympics: I’ll definitely win gold in Tokyo, says Adekuoroye

Odunayo Adekuoroye, Nigerian wrestler, says she will “definitely” win a historic gold medal for the country at the Tokyo Olympics later this month.

The 27-year-old also explained that her gold medal performance at the United World Wrestling championship in Poland has infused her with enough confidence ahead of this year’s Olympics.

Last month, the six-time African champion defeated the big names in the 57kg category of the sport en route to winning the competition.

Ahead of the games in Tokyo, the two-time Commonwealth gold medalist said she’s ready to secure a podium finish for Nigeria in wrestling at the Olympics.

Speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Adekuoroye also alluded her confidence to the influence of Daniel Igali, former Olympic champion, and her exploit earlier this year in Poland.

“I don’t have any pressure going to the Olympics; I’ve been to the Olympics before (in Rio 2016),” she said.

“I’ve trained physically. Mentally, I have trained myself. And my coach has been on me every time. Even the President (Daniel Igali) still comes to our training just to teach me some things.

“So, having an Olympic champion (Daniel Igali) in my gym, having a world-class coach (Purity Akuh), and my training partners are doing brilliantly well. So, I don’t have any pressure going to the Olympics.

“I believe by the special grace of God; it’s my time to shine. So, I will definitely bring gold to Nigeria by His grace.

“For me, it’s like a pre-tournament for the Olympic Games. Doing well in Poland gives me more confidence in going to the Olympics.

“At least, most of the wrestlers I may wrestle within the Olympics, I wrestled against them in the Poland Ranking Series, So, it’s a very good tournament for me. For like a year plus, I’ve not been to any international competition (due to Covid-19).

“So, going to Poland Ranking Series and performing excellently well is a very good competition for me ahead of Tokyo.”

The Olympics will run from July 23 to August 8, with wrestling scheduled for the final eight days of the event.