The Nigeria Wrestling Federation is getting ready for the 2026 World Wrestling Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan. The federation's president, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has approved a training camp at Iowa State University in the United States.
The championships will take place from October 24 to November 1. The camp is aimed at gathering Nigerian wrestlers from different parts of the United States for group training before the global event.
Top Nigerian wrestlers studying in the U.S. are expected to benefit from this camp. Home-based wrestlers with valid American visas will also join the program.
Nigerian-born athletes living in the United States and eligible to represent Nigeria will have the chance to train with the group. This will expand the talent pool for the national team as the NWF intensifies preparation for Astana.
The federation believes this camp will strengthen the connection between Nigerian wrestlers at home and those abroad. Officials think that training together will help build a stronger team that can achieve great results for Nigeria.
Nigeria’s women’s wrestling coach, Purity Akuh, said the camp is a key part of preparing for the World Championships. He explained that it will provide athletes access to modern equipment and facilities. It will also include competitive dual meets, such as matches against the United States Army wrestling team and training alongside some of the best wrestlers in the country.
Akuh is confident this experience will greatly boost the athletes’ readiness and competitiveness for the global event.
He praised Adeniyi for making sure the right arrangements and resources are in place. He thanked him for the tremendous support given to athletes and coaches.
“I want to sincerely thank the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Adewale Adeniyi, for his tremendous contribution and continued support to our athletes and coaches. His commitment to providing the resources and opportunities we need is helping us prepare at the highest level for the World Championships,” Akuh said.
“Opportunities such as the Iowa training camp are important for exposing Nigerian wrestlers to world-class facilities, high-level competition, and some of the best athletes and coaches in the sport,” he added.
Nigeria last won a medal at the World Championships through Odunayo Adekuoroye in 2023. The federation hopes the Iowa camp will help improve this record in Astana.
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