Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has recorded significant milestones in his first year as President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), with notable achievements in international competitions, athlete welfare, technical development and global exposure.
Adeniyi, who also serves as Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), was elected unopposed at the federation’s elective congress held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on October 25, 2025. He succeeded former president Daniel Igali.
Since assuming office, Adeniyi has continued to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor, positioning Nigerian wrestling for greater success on the continental and international stages.
Speaking after his election, Adeniyi emphasised the broader role of sports in promoting unity and peaceful coexistence.
“The real essence of sports, beyond competition, is fostering peaceful coexistence among diverse races and cultures,” he said.
“Together with my team of technical and competent board members, we will dedicate our energy and expertise to help build a stronger and more virile federation for the country.”
According to a report by the federation’s media assistant, Promise Okotoko, one of the most remarkable achievements of Adeniyi’s first year was Nigeria’s outstanding performance at the 2026 African Wrestling Championships in Alexandria, Egypt.
The Nigerian women’s team won eight gold and two silver medals, claiming all 10 medals available in the women’s events and extending the country’s record to 15 African titles.
The historic performance attracted national recognition, with President Bola Tinubu publicly congratulating the wrestlers. It was the first time a sitting Nigerian President had publicly congratulated the country’s wrestlers for their achievements.
The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, also received the team at the National Stadium in Abuja upon their return from the championship.
Nigeria maintained its impressive form at regional competitions during the period.
At the inaugural West Africa Wrestling Championship in the Benin Republic, the federation sponsored six athletes and eight officials, led by its Vice President. The Nigerian contingent returned with 11 medals, comprising nine gold, one silver and one bronze.
The championship also featured a development programme for coaches, referees and administrators under the supervision of United World Wrestling Director of Development, Deqa Niamkey.
At the Central African Wrestling Championships in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, Nigeria secured five gold and one silver medal across freestyle, beach and women’s wrestling.
The delegation, led by the federation’s Assistant Secretary and coach, Oyinbrakemi Tangi, also participated in coaching and technical training programmes designed to strengthen the country’s wrestling capacity.
Nigeria’s international exposure was further enhanced at the 2026 United World Wrestling Ranking Series in Mongolia, where the federation sponsored four athletes who won one silver and two bronze medals.
In another landmark achievement, veteran wrestler Mapsin Elias Mika became the first Nigerian veteran to win a medal at the Veterans World Wrestling Championships in Jordan. He secured the medal in the 70kg Greco-Roman category, accompanied by coach Babatunde James, popularly known as Tunde King.
Beyond competition, the federation introduced welfare measures aimed at improving the experience of athletes and supporting stakeholders across the sport.
At the 2025 Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Classics, a games village offering free feeding was provided for the first time. Gold medallists and other medal winners also received cash rewards, while states, clubs, military teams and paramilitary teams benefited from financial subsidies.
The federation also invested in human capacity development by sponsoring Nigerian referees for international exposure and providing training opportunities for coaches and administrators.
These initiatives reflect the federation’s broader commitment to improving athlete welfare, strengthening technical expertise and expanding opportunities for Nigerian wrestling officials to participate in international programmes.
As Adeniyi completes his first year in office, Nigeria is participating in the 2026 World Wrestling Championships in Kazakhstan with 11 athletes, representing the largest contingent the country has ever sent to the competition.
The development marks another significant step in the federation’s efforts to increase Nigeria’s presence on the global wrestling stage.
With historic continental success, improved athlete support, regional dominance and increased international participation, Adeniyi’s first year has laid a foundation for further growth in Nigerian wrestling.
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