Nigerian Wrestlers Set to Shine on the World Stage

World veterans wrestling medallist Mapsin Mika believes that Nigerian wrestlers will rule the sport for many years.

Mapsin, who hails from Adamawa State and now lives in Brussels, Belgium, shared his thoughts over the weekend. This comes weeks after he competed in the World Veterans Wrestling Championship in Amman, Jordan, where he defeated five strong opponents. He pointed out that Nigeria has talented wrestlers who have what it takes to become world champions.

"I must first of all congratulate myself for placing third in my third participation in the World Veteran Wrestling Championship. I trained hard and endured so much before this success story," he said.

He expressed gratitude to Coach Babatunde James, Technical Director of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation; Purity Akor; Chief Maurice Atula, President of the Veteran Wrestlers of Nigeria; and Bashir Adeniyi, President of the federation and Controller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, for their moral, technical, and financial support.

"Both veteran and youth wrestlers have total confidence in the top individuals and NWF. Nigerian wrestlers have been assured of enough training and international chances for training and competitions. These are special boosts that will bring out the best from all of us," he said, while hoping that facilities and sponsorship would get better.

He added, "The Veteran Wrestlers Association under the leadership of Maurice Atula has always called for regular wrestling championships in the six geopolitical zones. The wrestling federation supports our idea, and we are working together for the growth of Nigerian wrestling. The federation president is sponsoring championships and creating more opportunities for the development of wrestling.

"I am inspired by what I achieved at the World Veterans Wrestling Championship. I am confident that other young and veteran wrestlers will aim for more now that we are promised more local and international championships and plenty more opportunities."