Nigeria Wrestling Federation President Bashir Adeniyi has marked his first year in office with significant achievements in medal-winning performances, athlete welfare and international exposure for Nigerian wrestlers.
Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, was elected unopposed on October 25, 2025, at the federation’s elective congress at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. He succeeded former president Daniel Igali.
Following his election, Adeniyi pledged to strengthen the federation and promote unity through sport.
“The real essence of sports, beyond competition, is fostering peaceful coexistence among diverse races and cultures,” he said.
One of the major highlights of his first year was Nigeria’s performance at the 2026 African Wrestling Championships in Alexandria, Egypt, where the women’s team won eight gold and two silver medals, securing a record-extending 15th African title.
President Bola Tinubu congratulated the wrestlers, marking what the federation described as the first time a sitting Nigerian president had publicly congratulated the sport’s athletes. First Lady Oluremi Tinubu also received the team upon its return.
Nigeria also claimed 11 medals at the inaugural West Africa Wrestling Championship in Benin Republic, comprising nine gold, one silver and one bronze. At the Central African Wrestling Championships in Brazzaville, the team added five gold and one silver medal.
International exposure continued at the United World Wrestling Ranking Series in Mongolia, where four Nigerian athletes won one silver and two bronze medals.
Veteran wrestler Mapsin Elias Mika also made history by winning a medal in the 70kg Greco-Roman category at the Veterans World Wrestling Championships in Jordan.
On athlete welfare, the federation introduced free feeding at the 2025 Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Classics, alongside cash rewards for medallists and financial support for participating teams.
The federation also expanded training opportunities for coaches, referees and administrators.
Nigeria has further strengthened its international presence, sending 11 athletes to the 2026 World Wrestling Championships in Kazakhstan, its largest-ever contingent at the event.
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