Abba Ibrahim Wins Kokowa Competition at Niamey's Centennial Celebration

Abba Ibrahim, a wrestler from Niger, has won the Kokowa competition held in Niamey to celebrate the city's 100th anniversary as the country's capital. The event took place on November 15, 2026, and was organized by the City of Niamey. Ibrahim, who is the 2024 champion of the Sabre national, the largest national competition in the sport, defeated his older brother Nazifi Ibrahim in the final match, which lasted over four minutes.

The competition, which started on November 14, 2026, brought together 16 selected wrestlers from the five communal districts of Niamey. The final match was between the two brothers, both from the third communal district. Abba Ibrahim received 600,000 CFA francs for his victory, while his brother received 350,000 CFA francs as the runner-up. The event was part of the city's centennial celebration, which included various activities to showcase the city's history and culture.

The Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture, Sidi Mohamed Almouhmoud, attended the opening ceremony and highlighted the importance of the Kokowa competition in showcasing Niger's cultural heritage. He noted that the traditional sport is a reflection of the country's rich traditions and values. The minister praised the City of Niamey's initiative to organize the event, which aimed to promote the sport and celebrate the city's centennial.

The Administrator of the City of Niamey, Colonel Soumana Boubacar Grantché, officially closed the event and emphasized the significance of the centennial celebration. He noted that the theme of the celebration, "Niamey, 100 years of history, resilience, and future," invites reflection on the city's collective journey and its heritage. The Colonel highlighted the importance of the Kokowa competition in preserving the city's cultural traditions and promoting social cohesion.

The Kokowa competition is a traditional sport in Niger, which has been an integral part of the country's culture for centuries. The event showcased the skills and strength of the wrestlers, who competed in a series of matches to determine the winner. The competition was a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage and its commitment to preserving traditional sports.

Abba Ibrahim's victory was a significant achievement, not only for him but also for his family and community. His win demonstrated his hard work and dedication to the sport, and he was congratulated by the Administrator of the City of Niamey and other officials. The event concluded with a ceremony to award prizes to the winners and encourage the participants to continue promoting the sport.

The centennial celebration of Niamey is a significant milestone in the city's history, marking 100 years since it became the capital of Niger. The event was marked by various activities, including cultural performances, exhibitions, and sports competitions. The Kokowa competition was a highlight of the celebration, showcasing the city's rich cultural heritage and its commitment to preserving traditional sports.

Key points

• Abba Ibrahim won the Kokowa competition at Niamey's centennial celebration, defeating his brother Nazifi Ibrahim in the final match.