Adeniyi Backs Team Nigeria Wrestlers, Vows to Build on World Championships Experience
President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, has thrown his weight behind Team Nigeria’s wrestlers following their medal-less outing at the 2026 World Wrestling Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, insisting that the federation remains committed to improving the country’s performance on the global stage.
Despite failing to mount the podium, the Nigerian contingent recorded encouraging performances, with some wrestlers advancing to the semi-final and knockout stages of the competition.
Adeniyi described the athletes’ performances as evidence of their determination and growing competitiveness, urging them to remain focused as Nigeria intensifies efforts to challenge the world’s leading wrestling nations.
The NWF president acknowledged that success at the highest level of international wrestling requires sustained investment, adequate preparation and regular exposure to elite competition.
He assured the athletes that the federation would continue working towards providing the support and environment needed to translate their efforts into medals at future championships.
“I want to commend our wrestlers for their patriotism, determination and commitment in representing Nigeria at the World Wrestling Championships. As a federation, we will always appreciate the sacrifices and efforts of our athletes in representing this country, irrespective of the outcome.
“What matters is their commitment to national assignment and determination to give their best,” Adeniyi said.
He added that while medals remain an important measure of success, they cannot be achieved without deliberate planning, consistent preparation and long-term investment in athletes.
“Medals are important, but they are not won overnight. We must continue to invest in our athletes, expose them to quality international competitions, and ensure that they have the necessary support to compete favourably against the best in the world,” he said.
Adeniyi explained that Nigeria’s participation in the championships was also aimed at exposing the wrestlers to the intensity and demands of elite international competition, describing the experience as essential to their long-term development.
He noted that the performances in Astana provided the federation with an opportunity to evaluate the progress of Nigerian wrestling, identify areas requiring improvement and develop strategies to bridge the gap between the country and the sport’s leading nations.
The NWF president also highlighted Nigeria’s participation with 11 wrestlers, reportedly the highest number the country has ever presented at the World Wrestling Championships, as a significant milestone in the federation’s efforts to strengthen its international presence.
Although the absence of medals remains a disappointment, Adeniyi expressed optimism that sustained investment, improved preparation and greater international exposure would help Nigerian wrestlers convert their growing competitiveness into podium finishes at future global competitions.
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