The President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Adewale Adeniyi, on Wednesday in Abuja, urged Nigeria’s wrestlers to make the country proud in their continental competition in Egypt.
Adeniyi, who is also the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the wrestlers will definitely return with medals as they prepare for the African Wrestling Championships in Alexandria, Egypt.
The president hosted athletes, coaches and officials of the federation on Tuesday before their departure to Egypt.
He said representing the national flag at a continental championship is a great responsibility and obligation placed on your shoulders.
“You are no longer representing Bayelsa, Ondo, Lagos or any other state. You are now ambassadors of the green-white-green. That is something we treasure deeply,” he said.
The President urged the team to be driven by the pride of hearing the Nigerian national anthem during medal presentations.
“I want that thought to motivate you from the moment you step on Egyptian soil. Make a personal commitment that you are returning on that aircraft with medals,” he said.
He said success at such tournaments would require discipline, strategy, commitment and determination, adding that the technical crew had worked hard to prepare the athletes during camp.
“There is a journey between stepping onto the mat and leaving with a medal. It takes effort, energy, discipline and commitment.
“I believe your coaches have tried to instil these values in you,” he said.
Adeniyi said that in spite of limited resources, the federation ensured that camping was organised because of its importance to the team’s preparation.
“When the proposal for camping came, resources were tight, but I knew how important it was. That was why we made every effort to make it happen,” he said
He also assured the athletes that the federation would continue to prioritise their welfare and motivation.
“We leave the responsibility of performing well in your hands, while the federation will take care of your welfare and motivation.
“I assure you, we will not let you down,” he said, also urging the wrestlers to seize the opportunity to attract national recognition through outstanding performance, stressing:
“This is your chance to write your names in gold. It does not come all the time, but when it comes, you must make the best use of it,” he said.
The team comprised 10 female wrestlers and eight male wrestlers, and will compete for honours in 18 events.
The female category and their weights have Genesis Miesinnei 50kg, Ogunsanya Christianah 53kg, Idris Adijat 55kg, Adekoye Jumoke 57kg, and Asaolu Esther 59kg.
Others are Kolawole Esther 62kg, Adekuoroye Mercy 65kg, Reuben Hannah 68kg, Biogos Ebi 72kg and Ojo Hannah 76kg.
In the male category, we have Egoli Saviour 61kg, Akintewe Stephen 65kg, Erefagha Didekemei 70kg, Andrew Ebierelayefa 74kg and Ulabo Solomon 79kg.
Others are Eseimokumoh Gooddy 86kg, Newlife Oyobi 92kg and Onovwiomogbhwo Harrison 97kg.
The Coaches include Akuh Purity, Blessing Oborududu and Agberekeme Areh, while the referees are Yusuf Usman and Adebiyi Anthony.
The 2026 African Wrestling Championships in Alexandria, Egypt, are scheduled to start from April 27 to May 2, with Under-17, Under-20 and Senior categories in Cairo, Egypt.
(NAN)
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