Tag: Wrestling

 

 

 

By Dianabasi Effiong

The Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) says its success story in the outgoing year, including the performances of its athletes in national, regional, and international competitions, is unprecedented.

The Federation’s success story was made known by its President, Ibrahim Abdul, in a statement by the Media Officer, Amaechi Agbo, on Jan. 5.

 

The NWF President also expressed his appreciation to the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), the Media, the federation’s board members, coaches, referees, and athletes for their support of the weightlifting sport in 2025.

He said, “The year 2025 was a good one for us in the weightlifting family because we invested a lot and had good rewards.

“We participated in regional, continental, and global competitions and held the flag of our nation high.

“We took part in many competitions, including becoming African Champions after conquering the continent during the Senior African Weightlifting Championships held in Mauritius.

“Our athletes excelled in other engagements, including the most recent one being the 4th Africa Youth Games in Launda, Angola, last month.”

According to him, the federation’s success stories in 2025 are products of the immense support it received from the National Sports Commission, the Nigeria Olympic Committee, the Media, and other stakeholders.

“On behalf of the Board of Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, I want to express my appreciation to you all for being there for us in the outgone year.

“We invested and we had returns on investments,” Abdul said.

He added that stakeholders’ support in 2025 encouraged the sport to record medal hauls in regional, continental, and international engagements.

“I want to, first and foremost, thank the Almighty God for granting us the grace to see the New Year 2026,” he said.

The Federation witnessed an exponential increase in the number of medals won in a calendar year by amassing 49 gold, 14 silver, and seven bronze medals across seven regional, continental, and global competitions during the year in focus.

The federation began the year by featuring at the 2025 Senior African Weightlifting Championship in Mauritius from 20th – 28th April.

The contingent returned home as Champions of Africa after amassing a total of 10 gold, four silver, and a bronze medal to top the overall medals table.

At the Africa Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championship in Accra, Ghana held between Aug.15 and Aug. 23, the federation returned home with nine gold medals.

This feat was followed during the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship in India from Aug. 24 to Aug. 30, where the federation showed global dominance by winning four gold, two silver, and three bronze medals.

At the regional level, the federation participated in the 2025 Zone 2 West Africa Games in Bukina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou from Oct. 12 to Oct. 19, where it won nine gold medals.

Nigeria also won a silver medal at the Senior World Weightlifting Championship held between Oct. 2 and Oct. 11 in Forde, Norway

The NWF also participated in the 6th Islamic Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from Nov. 8 to Nov.12 and came back with a bag fully loaded with 13 medals, comprising six gold, four silver, and three bronze.

“The last competition of the year saw young, promising future lifters once again dominate the continent after our lifters went to Luanda in Angola and conquered the countries by winning 12 medals made up of 11 gold and a silver,” Abdul added.

In between these competitions, the federation also held a capacity training programme for the athletes and coaches.

The 10-day training had 30 participants – 22 athletes and eight coaches.

Abdul also stated that the globally sought-after weightlifting coach, Maged Salama, from Austria, coordinated the programme which received commendation from the NSC.

He said, “Another defining moment for weightlifting in 2025 was the conduct of the freest, most peaceful sports federation election in the country.”

The NWF election held on Aug. 16, saw Dr Ibrahim Abdul returned as president to pilot the affairs of the federation for the next four years

“We did a lot, and we could not have achieved this without the massive support of the stakeholders. The year 2026 unfolds with greater vigour to conquer the world. We have shown our superiority in Africa, we need to take it further.

“In the coming days, we will unfold our activities for the year to the media,” the NWF President said.

 

By Dianabasi Effiong

The Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) says the national trials to select the national team for the 2026 calendar year will begin in January.

This was made known in a letter obtained by sports reporters on Friday by Oluwasegun Ademisoro, the Secretary General of the Federation.

According to the letter, the national trials will begin Jan. 6 at the Indoor Sports Hall, Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State.

The letter noted that the national trials became imperative after the 4th Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Championship, a benchmark to rank national team athletes, was postponed indefinitely in honour of Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who died less than 48 hours before the event.

It also noted that the trials were to ensure fairness in selection, meritocracy, and competitive integrity for the identification of talents to represent Nigeria in the year 2026.

The Secretary General stated in the letter, that four women’s categories, such as 53kg, 57kg, 62kg, and 67kg, would participate in the trials.

He said that each weight class would have ‘top four’ wrestlers based on their performances in major tournaments, such as the National Championships and the National Sports Festival, among others.

The invited wrestlers in each of the following weight classes:

53 kg Category

1. Ogunsanya Christiana – Oyo

2. Ayelon Mary-Bayelsa (BYS)

3. Zannu Mausi – Lagos

4. Ayo Esewi – Edo

57kg Category

1. Bekefula Tarilayefa – Bayelsa

2. Jumuoke Adekoye – Ondo

3. Onize Umman – Rivers

4. Esosuakpo Faith – Edo

62 kg Category

1. Esther Kolawole – Rivers

2. Precious Tiebiri – Delta

3. Appah Blessing – Nasarawa

4. Patience Kakan – Bayelsa (BYS)

68 kg Category

1. Odede Rita – Nasarawa

2. Joseph Deborah – Osun

3. Reuben Hannah – Nigerian Army (NA)

4. Adekuoroye Mercy – Ondo

According to the NWF Media Assistant, Promise Okotoko, the federation will notify stakeholders on a new date for the 4th Gov. Douye Diri National Wrestling Championship, which will be used to rank other weight classes.

 

 

The immediate past President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Daniel Igali, has reflected on his journey as president of the sport. He also
expressed faith in the leadership of the new President, Bashir Adeniyi.

Igali, in a lengthy post on his Facebook page, stated: “Twelve years. Countless memories. One unending love – wrestling.

“There comes a time in every journey when the whistle fades, the lights dim, and the mat – once a battlefield becomes a place of quiet reflection.
Yesterday, I arrived at that moment. After twelve fulfilling years as President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, I laid down the mantle, having served the maximum tenure under the National Sports Commission’s guidelines.”

“It has been a journey of faith, fire, and fulfilment. From my earliest days as a young wrestler chasing dreams across dusty mats and ultimately winning world and Olympic titles, to my years as coach, technical adviser, and finally, president – wrestling has given me everything. It has been my teacher, my mirror, and my home.”

“In the spirit of continuity, the Federation and stakeholders have chosen Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, a man of honour, humility, and discipline, as my successor. Having served faithfully as a board member, he understands both the heart and the heritage of our sport. I have no doubt he will carry the torch even higher.

“Looking back, I am filled with gratitude.
To Dr. Amos Adamu and Chief Patrick Ekeji, who not only recruited me to serve as the Technical Adviser of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation but also helped facilitate my resettlement from Canada – your faith and guidance set the foundation for everything that followed.”

He further stated, “To Chief Timipre Sylva, who, as Governor of Bayelsa State, birthed the National Wrestling Classics in 2009 – your foresight remains a lasting milestone in Nigerian wrestling. And to former Governor Seriake Dickson, whose support gave life to my earliest bid for this office, and to Governor Douye Diri, whose unwavering faith in my personal and collective growth in Wrestling has anchored the Federation these past five years – I remain profoundly grateful.

“To Ministers Bolaji Abdullahi, Solomon Dalung, and Sunday Dare, your partnership and trust gave meaning to our work.
To the Directors of FEAD, whose quiet professionalism helped us navigate policies and plans, and to my fellow Federation Presidents, whose friendships and rivalries alike sharpened our resolve – I salute you all.

“To our sponsors and institutional supporters – the Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers State Governments, the Nigeria Customs Service under CG Bashir Adeniyi, the National Sports Commission, the Nigeria Olympic Committee and the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the leadership of Gen. Chris Musa (rtd.), immediate past Chief of Defence Staff – your belief in our mission and investment in wrestling’s growth kept the vision alive.”

“Together, we built a legacy:
🏅 Over 150 African Championships and African Games gold medals
🏅 9 Commonwealth Games gold medals
🏅 5 World Championship medals
🏅 1 Olympic silver medal

“Yet the real triumph lies not in medals or numbers, but in the human spirit – in the wrestlers who found purpose, the coaches who found pride, and the nation that rediscovered its strength through sport.

“If, in the course of service, I ever fell short in word, in action, or in understanding, I ask for your forgiveness. Leadership is a human endeavour – imperfect, yet always driven by love for the sport and the country we all hold dear.

“As I hand over the mantle to CG Bashir Adeniyi, I do so with peace and gratitude. The sun may have set on this phase of my stewardship, but I remain here, a member of the UWW Bureau, ready to support, to guide, to advise – as wrestling continues its forward march.

“Because for me, the mat is not merely where I was most tested; it is where I learned, where I grew, and where I found my life’s meaning.

“And as Chinua Achebe so timelessly wrote, ‘Beyond the war and the warrior, only the story remains.’

“This is our story – of grit, grace, and glory.
A story written in sweat and spirit, across twelve unforgettable years, in the colours of our beloved Nigeria.”

According to Igali, “The mat will always remain home. For the country. For wrestling.Forever. 🇳🇬🤼‍♂️

 

 

By Dianabasi Effiong

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adeniyi, has been elected the President of, Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) for the next four years.

CG Adeniyi pulled 14 out of the 14 Executive Board Members’ Votes to emerge NWF President, for the next four years.

According to Promise Okotoko, the NWF Media Assistant, Adeniyi was the sole candidate in an elective Congress held at the Gymnasium Hall, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Saturday.

“The election, which was supervised by the National Sports Commission, saw North Central Representative Chris Amkpila re-elected as the Vice President of the Federation,” Ikotoko said.

Reacting to the outcome of the election, the newly elected NWF President, Adeniyi, said he was grateful for the trust reposed in him to lead one of Nigeria’s vibrant Sports Federations.

CG Adeniyi also commended President Tinubu for repositioning sports through deliberate effort by appointing competent hands to handle the National Sports Commission

The Customs boss pledged his commitment to expanding the reach of wrestling through stronger sponsorships and inclusive administration.

He said, “I want to sincerely thank the National Sports Commission for conducting a hitch-free and transparent election. The process was smooth and peaceful, which is the real essence of sports beyond competition, fostering peaceful coexistence among diverse races and cultures.

“The peaceful nature of the election today is a reflection of President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of capable persons at the NSC.

“Also, my appreciation to all wrestling stakeholders for providing me with a great opportunity to lead the sport we all love.

“Together with my team of technical and competent board members, we will dedicate our energy and expertise to help actualise and build a stronger and more virile Federation for the country.”

List of the NWF Board members after the completion of the 2025 Elective Congress.

1. President – CG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, PhD

2. Vice President – Chris Amkpila

3. Secretary General – Oluwasegun Bode Ademisoro

4. South South Rep- Daniel Igali

5. North East Rep -Alhaji Mustapha Bura

6. North West Rep- Alhaji Habib Abubakar Umar

7. South East Rep – Clement Ejim

8. South West Rep – Akuh Purity

9. Technical Rep – Happiness Burutu

10. Athlete Rep – Blessing Oborodudu

11. NAPHER-SD Rep – Dr Okou Femedein Timipre

12. NAWIS Rep – Mrs. Adejoke Adebusoye

13. AFFAN Rep- Mrs Margaret Porbeni

14. SPONSOR Rep- Mrs Amaka Asiofu

15. Oluwasegun Bode Ademisoro.