Nigeria Targets Podium Finishes At African Wrestling Championships

Nigeria Targets Podium Finishes At African Wrestling Championships

By Admin 

The President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Adewale Adeniyi, has charged the nation’s wrestlers to deliver medal-winning performances at the upcoming African Wrestling Championships in Egypt, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Speaking in Abuja ahead of the team’s departure, Adeniyi—who also serves as the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service—expressed confidence in the athletes’ ability to excel at the continental event scheduled to hold in Alexandria.

The federation president hosted the athletes, coaches, and officials earlier in the week, emphasizing the significance of representing Nigeria on the international stage. He reminded the team that they now carry the responsibility of representing the country as a whole, rather than their individual states.

“Competing under the national flag is both an honour and a duty. You are ambassadors of Nigeria, and that comes with great expectations,” Adeniyi said.

He encouraged the wrestlers to draw motivation from the prospect of hearing the national anthem during medal ceremonies, urging them to remain focused and determined throughout the competition.

Adeniyi stressed that success at the championships would depend on discipline, strategy, and commitment, noting that the federation’s technical crew had invested significant effort in preparing the athletes during training camp.

He acknowledged the financial constraints faced by the federation but explained that camping was prioritised due to its importance in ensuring adequate preparation.

“Despite limited resources, we made deliberate efforts to organise a proper training camp because of its critical role in performance,” he said.

The NWF president also reassured the athletes of continued support, pledging that the federation would prioritise their welfare and motivation while they focus on delivering results on the mat.

“This is an opportunity to achieve national recognition and leave a lasting legacy. Moments like this are rare, and it is important to make the most of them,” he added.

The Nigerian contingent comprises 18 wrestlers—10 female and eight male competitors—who will compete across multiple weight categories. The coaching team includes Akuh Purity, Blessing Oborududu, and Agberekeme Areh, while Yusuf Usman and Adebiyi Anthony will serve as referees.

The 2026 African Wrestling Championships are scheduled to take place from April 27 to May 2 in Alexandria, Egypt, featuring Under-17, Under-20, and Senior categories.