By Odey Ojeka
Every nation has its heroes. In the world of Nigerian wrestling in the 1980s, one of those heroes came from Ugep in Cross River State.
His name was Joseph Omini. To wrestling fans across Nigeria, he was known as Black Iroko. While in his home town he is known as Eteng Super.
Presently, Joseph Omini is 80 years old. He lives quietly in his hometown at Number 12, Okoi Nkpani Street, Egbizum, Ikpakapit, Ugep, Cross River State, Nigeria.
He took the ring name “Black Iroko” after the iroko tree. The iroko is known for its strength and for standing firm through every storm. That was exactly how Joseph Omini wrestled. Strong, tough, and impossible to break.
He represented Cross River State and competed in the heavyweight division during the time when Nigerian professional wrestling was at its peak.
He also represented Nigeria in many African countries and flew the green white green flag with pride.
The early 1980s was the golden era of wrestling in Nigeria. Arenas were always full. Promoters brought both local and international stars to fight across the country.
It was during this time that Black Iroko made his name. He shared the ring with the biggest names of the period: Power Mike, Ben Lion Heart, Power Uti, Mighty Igor, Mil Máscaras, Kamala, and Johnny Kwango.
One of his biggest planned matches was against Ben Lion Heart also known as Benneth Afulueke Okoye around 1982. Fans were looking forward to that heavyweight contest. It was the kind of fight that would shut down a city.
Records from that era are hard to find. Much of Nigerian wrestling history only survives in old newspapers, posters, and the memories of fans. One of the newspapers in the 80s kept some of his profile and details. That clipping is important today because it helps us remember one of the wrestlers who was not well documented.
What we do know for sure is this: Joseph Omini aka Black Iroko was the Light Heavyweight Champion of the N.W.F, the Nigerian Wrestling Federation.
Even after his active days in the ring, he did not forget his roots. He also organized the Ugep International Wrestling Competition in 2021, to bring wrestling back home and inspire the next generation.
Black Iroko put Ugep on the national wrestling map. At a time when wrestling brought people together from all tribes and communities, he carried the Cross River flag with pride.
Today, many young people don’t know this history. But legends like Black Iroko are part of our culture, our strength, and our identity.
We celebrate him not just as a wrestler, but as a son of Ugep who showed the world that strength can also come from Egbizum, Ikpakapit.
At 80, he is still with us. Let us honor our living legends while they are still here to tell their stories.
Ugep is proud of you. Cross River is proud of you. Nigeria remembers you.
Black Iroko – The Iroko Tree of Nigerian Wrestling.
