The 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament (TOLAC 2025) was indeed a symbol of regional integration, cultural heritage, and gender inclusion
On March 8, 2025, the 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament (TOLAC) concluded at the Velodrome in Abuja, Nigeria, as part of the ECOWAS 50th anniversary celebrations, reinforcing the organization’s unwavering commitment to regional integration, youth empowerment, and cultural preservation.
In a remarkable display of athletic excellence and sportsmanship, Senegal secured 1st place, Nigeria claimed 2nd, and Benin achieved 3rd.
However, the most significant achievement of this edition was the historic inclusion of female wrestlers, a landmark step toward gender equality in traditional sports, appropriately taking place on International Women’s Day.
This tournament has once again demonstrated the unifying power of sport, strengthening diplomatic ties across West Africa and fostering deeper regional solidarity. As ECOWAS commemorates five decades of progress, TOLAC continues to serve as a catalyst for cross-border cooperation, paving the way for the international recognition of African wrestling and its enduring contribution to cultural identity and regional cohesion.