Nigeria Wrestling Federation president Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, has challenged Team Nigeria’s wrestlers to maintain focus and discipline as preparations continue for the 2026 Senior World Wrestling Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, Bold Sports reports.
Adeniyi visited the national wrestling camp in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Nigeria’s Independence Day. The wrestlers have spent about two weeks in camp ahead of the global competition, which runs from October 24 to November 1.
Adeniyi praises wrestlers’ commitment
The NWF president commended the athletes for remaining in camp despite the October 1 public holiday.
He said their decision showed the level of commitment needed to represent Nigeria on the international stage.
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“It is also Nigeria’s Independence Day, so I felt this was an opportunity to identify with our athletes. They have been in camp for about two weeks now, preparing for a very important competition in the coming weeks,” Adeniyi said.
The visit came as Team Nigeria steps up its preparations for the championships. The event will bring together athletes across men’s freestyle, women’s wrestling and Greco-Roman wrestling.
Team Nigeria targets strong showing in Astana
Adeniyi urged the wrestlers to approach the competition with confidence.
He also stressed the importance of giving their best for Nigeria in Kazakhstan.
“ We want to support and motivate them to achieve the best possible results for Nigeria in Kazakhstan. Olympic qualification tickets will also be at stake, so this is not just another World Championships,” he added.
The federation has already placed emphasis on intensive preparation. Team Nigeria began its closed camping programme in September, with training activities involving camps in Bayelsa and Ondo States.
United World Wrestling confirmed Astana as the replacement host for the 2026 championships after the event was moved from Manama, Bahrain. Barys Arena will host the nine-day competition.
Officials join NWF president at camp
Adeniyi’s visit also included several officials involved in Nigerian wrestling and sports administration.
Among those present were UWW Bureau Member Hon. Daniel Igali, NWF Board Member Alhaji Saleh Ahmadu, OON, and Acting Comptroller of Federal Operations Unit Zone C, Deputy Comptroller Adaniya Farouk.
The Nigeria Wrestling Federation will now continue preparations as the national team moves closer to its Astana assignment.
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