By Peter Omopo
Madrid, July 6, 2025 — Nigeria’s rising wrestling star Esther Kolawole has claimed gold at the Spanish Wrestling Grand Prix, delivering a commanding 10-0 victory over American Haylie Jaffe in the final on Saturday.
The Olympian and reigning African champion dominated the competition in Madrid, showcasing her formidable form ahead of the upcoming World Wrestling Ranking Series. Kolawole opened her campaign with a resounding 10-0 win against Spain’s Lydia Perez in the quarter-finals and followed up with a hard-fought 4-1 semi-final victory over Poland’s Alicja Nowosad.
Her gold-medal finish marks a major leap from her bronze medal performance at the 2024 edition of the tournament, highlighting her rapid progression on the international stage.
Kolawole’s participation in the Grand Prix, which runs from July 4 to 7, is part of her build-up to the World Wrestling Ranking Series in Budapest, Hungary, set for July 14, and the 2025 World Wrestling Championship in Croatia this September.
The Nigeria Wrestling Federation has reiterated its commitment to providing athletes with ample exposure to global competitions in preparation for major international events.
