Bashir Adeniyi has wrapped up his first year as president of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation. During this time, the federation has seen significant gains in medals, athlete support, and international opportunities, according to Punch Sport Extra.
Adeniyi was elected unopposed at the federation's congress on October 25, 2025, held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. He took over from Daniel Igali, and the federation says he has built on the work of his predecessor. After his election, Adeniyi emphasized that sports go beyond just competing.
"The real essence of sports, beyond competition, is fostering peaceful coexistence among diverse races and cultures," he stated.
"Together with my team of technical and competent board members, we will dedicate our energy and expertise to help build a stronger and more virile federation for the country."
Major Achievements
A report from the federation’s media assistant, Promise Okotoko, highlighted major successes, especially at the 2026 African Wrestling Championships in Alexandria, Egypt. Nigeria’s women wrestlers won eight gold and two silver medals, claiming all ten medals in the women's events. This marked the country’s 15th African title.
President Tinubu congratulated the team publicly, marking the first time a sitting Nigerian President has acknowledged wrestlers in this way. The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, also welcomed the team back at the National Stadium in Abuja.
Nigeria also shined at regional competitions this year. The federation sponsored six athletes and eight officials, led by the Vice President, to the first West Africa Wrestling Championship in Benin Republic. The team brought home 11 medals: nine gold, one silver, and one bronze. This championship also included a development program for coaches, referees, and administrators, overseen by Deqa Niamkey, the Director of Development for United World Wrestling.
At the Central African Wrestling Championships in Brazzaville, Congo, the Nigerian team won five gold and one silver medal across freestyle, beach, and women’s wrestling. The federation’s Assistant Secretary and coach, Oyinbrakemi Tangi, led this delegation, which also engaged in coaching and technical training.
The federation sponsored four athletes to the 2026 United World Wrestling third Ranking Series in Mongolia, where they secured one silver and two bronze medals.
Supporting Veterans
Nigerian veteran wrestlers also received support. Mapsin Elias Mika became the first Nigerian veteran to win a medal at the Veterans World Wrestling Championships in Jordan, taking a medal in the 70kg Greco-Roman category. Coach Babatunde James, known as Tunde King, accompanied him.
In terms of athlete welfare, the 2025 Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Classics introduced a games village with free meals for the first time. Gold medalists and other winners received cash rewards, while states, clubs, and military and paramilitary teams got financial support.
The federation also sponsored Nigerian referees for international events and provided training opportunities for coaches and administrators.
As Nigeria heads to the 2026 World Wrestling Championships in Kazakhstan, it will send its largest group yet, with 11 athletes making the trip.
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