By Dorcas Francis Koji
The Nigeria Wrestling Federation has intensified preparations for the 2026 World Wrestling Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, with federation president Bashir Adewale Adeniyi approving the establishment of a high-level training camp at Iowa State University in the United States.
The World Championships are scheduled to take place from October 24 to November 1, with the Iowa camp designed to bring together Nigerian wrestlers based across different parts of the United States for collective preparation ahead of the global competition.
Some of Nigeria’s leading wrestlers currently studying in the United States are expected to participate in the camp, alongside home-based athletes who hold valid American visas and have been included in the programme.
Nigerian-born wrestlers living in the United States who are eligible to represent the country will also have the opportunity to train with the national team, potentially expanding the pool of athletes available for selection as the federation builds towards Astana.
The federation hopes the initiative will strengthen collaboration between Nigeria-based wrestlers and those competing or studying abroad.
Officials believe bringing the athletes together under one programme will improve team chemistry while exposing the wrestlers to high-level training and competition, helping Nigeria assemble a stronger and more competitive squad for the World Championships.
Nigeria’s women’s wrestling coach, Purity Akuh, described the Iowa camp as a major component of the team’s preparations.
According to Akuh, the athletes will benefit from modern training facilities and equipment, as well as competitive exposure through dual meets, including bouts against the United States Army wrestling team and training sessions alongside some of America’s leading wrestlers.
He expressed confidence that the experience would improve the athletes’ readiness and competitiveness ahead of the global tournament.
Akuh also commended NWF president Adewale Adeniyi for providing the resources and opportunities required for the wrestlers and coaches to prepare at a high level.
“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,” Akuh said.
“His commitment to providing the resources and opportunities we need is helping us prepare at the highest level for the World Championships.”
He added: “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.”
Nigeria’s most recent World Championships medal came through Odunayo Adekuoroye in 2023, and the federation will hope the Iowa camp can provide the foundation for another strong performance when the wrestlers compete in Astana.
With athletes from Nigeria and the diaspora brought together, the NWF is aiming to build a well-prepared squad capable of improving the country’s medal record at the 2026 World Championships.
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