Wrestling: Benin build for the future to topple Africa's heavyweights

The Guépards wrestlers came home empty-handed from the latest ECOWAS African wrestling tournament, Niamey 2023. Such poor showings are starting to become a pattern, which is why the federation has decided to take the bull by the horns. "We started from the observation that the level of our wrestlers left something to be desired, and the senior wrestlers, despite their goodwill, don't always manage to do better at regional and international events. So we decided to go to the youngest to build a good next generation", explains Yves Azifan, president of the Beninese wrestling federation.

Two major reforms to relaunch Benin

To breathe new life into wrestling in Benin, the governing body has changed the format of the national championship and opted for grassroots training. The country has been divided into three zones, with regional qualifying tournaments. "From now on, all clubs and sports associations are in one of the zones, competing against each other to send the best to the final phase. The aim here is to create competition so that we have a final phase that everyone really enjoys", says Yves Azifan.

The second reform, which is central to the plan to revive wrestling, is a programme called "Pépinière Olympique" for under-20s. The youngsters are taught African and Olympic wrestling techniques. The federation is thus organising a serious Olympic wrestling championship for the first time. "The lack of wrestling mats has often prevented us from organising Olympic wrestling competitions. We now have them thanks to the support of Cnos-Ben, and the work must follow. This transitional edition will involve around twenty children. They will train with our experts and then go into competition", notes Cakpo Amoussou Nicolas, national technical director of FEBELUTTE.

Grassroots figures back the reforms

As the driving force behind the programme, the national technical director is assessing the level of the budding wrestlers at the halfway stage and is already hopeful about this generation. "The current level is a little above passable. These are young people under 20 and so they didn't always have the right reflexes. In the central zone in Dassa, we saw some good things, especially the willingness. In the south, in Cotonou, most of the wrestlers we had were just starting out. But appetite comes with eating, and I'm firmly hopeful there will be further improvement before the final phase." The town of Djougou hosts the northern zone wrestling qualifying tournament on 28 September 2023.

The "Pépinière Olympique" programme also requires the involvement of wrestling coaches across the country. They are committed to spotting, training and monitoring talent to ensure its success. "As a coach, I support this reform by following the line set by the national technical department and the executive committee. We were trained in 2021 and, in the field, we try to put into practice what we learned from our United World Wrestling experts. I talk to the children and their parents about the merits of such an initiative so that they, in turn, support the children", says Ariane Amouro, a former Benin international, trainer and PE teacher.

"We are aiming for the next Youth Olympic Games, Dakar 2026"

The success of the ongoing reforms should allow young wrestling enthusiasts to realise their dream and, as a knock-on effect, lift Benin to the rank of a major wrestling nation, able to topple Senegal, Niger and the other powerhouses of the continent. "The long-term goal is to have a solid pool of talent we can count on at any time. We are aiming for the next Youth Olympic Games, Dakar 2026. Since we were elected to head this federation, we have realised it is possible to make this sport a discipline that gives Benin hope", says the FEBELUTTE president.

Oréolle Winsou, a 15-year-old prospect, dreams of a fulfilling professional career in wrestling."I want to excel in this sport and one day win an Olympic medal for Benin. I want to travel and take part in lots of competitions all over the world."

Rachidi DOSSA