Adeniyi Rallies Nigerian Wrestlers Ahead of African Championship, Tasks Team to Return with Medals
The Comptroller-General of Customs and President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Adewale Adeniyi, has charged Nigeria’s national wrestling team to conquer the continent and return home with medals as they prepare for the forthcoming African Wrestling Championships in Alexandria, Egypt.
Adeniyi gave the charge on Tuesday, 28 April 2026, while hosting athletes, coaches and officials at the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, ahead of their departure for the continental showdown scheduled for May.
Addressing the contingent, the NWF President described their qualification for the championship as both a privilege and a weighty responsibility, urging them to rise to the occasion.
“I congratulate you all for earning this opportunity. Many other athletes would love to be in your position. Representing the national flag at a continental championship is a great responsibility and obligation placed on your shoulders,” he said.
He reminded the wrestlers that they were no longer competing as individuals representing their various states, but as ambassadors of Nigeria on the continental stage.
“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,” Adeniyi emphasised.
The Customs boss further urged the athletes to draw motivation from the pride of hearing the Nigerian national anthem played during medal ceremonies, challenging them to make a firm commitment to success.
“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 charged.
Adeniyi stressed that success at the championship would depend on discipline, strategy, determination and commitment, noting that the technical crew had invested significant effort in preparing the athletes during training 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 added.
Despite financial constraints, the NWF President disclosed that the federation ensured the organisation of a training camp, recognising its critical role in 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,” Adeniyi explained.
He assured the wrestlers of the federation’s continued commitment to their welfare and motivation, stating that while the athletes focus on performance, the federation would provide the necessary support.
“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 pledged.
Encouraging the team to seize the moment, Adeniyi described the championship as a rare opportunity for the athletes to achieve national recognition through outstanding performances.
“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.
Highlighting the achievements of Nigeria’s female wrestlers, Adeniyi commended their status as defending champions and challenged the men’s team to match their excellence.
“Our women are already champions. It is difficult to get to the top, but harder to remain there. For the men, this is another opportunity to show that Nigeria belongs at the top of African wrestling,” he noted.
Nigeria has, in recent years, established dominance in African wrestling, particularly in the women’s category, with impressive performances at previous editions of the continental championships held in Tunisia and Morocco.
Speaking earlier, head coach Akuh Purity commended Adeniyi for his unwavering support, assuring that the team was fully committed to delivering a victorious outing.
“We want to assure him of our full commitment to represent Nigeria very well. We are not just going there to maintain our position; we are going there to come back victorious,” he said.
On behalf of the athletes, Hannah Reuben and Ulabo Solomon expressed appreciation to the federation for its support, pledging to justify the confidence reposed in them.
“We appreciate the encouragement and the support we have received. We know the task ahead, and we are ready to fight for Nigeria. We will do our best to return with honours. We know what is expected of us. We are going there with determination and focus. We want to make Nigerians proud and show that we can compete with the best in Africa,” they affirmed.
