By Harriet Tornguvan
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 at the forthcoming African Wrestling Championships in Alexandria, Egypt, scheduled for May 2026.
Adeniyi gave the charge on Tuesday while hosting athletes, coaches and officials at the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters in Abuja ahead of their departure for the tournament.
He described the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the continental stage as both a privilege and a weighty responsibility, urging the athletes to remain focused and committed to national glory.
“You have all earned this opportunity, and many others would have wished to be in your position. Representing Nigeria is a great honour and a responsibility you must carry with pride,” he said.
The NWF President reminded the wrestlers that they would be competing not as representatives of their respective states but as ambassadors of the nation.
“You are no longer representing Bayelsa, Ondo, Lagos or any other state. You are ambassadors of Nigeria. The green-white-green must come first,” Adeniyi stressed.
He further challenged the athletes to draw motivation from the prospect of hearing the national anthem during medal ceremonies, urging them to make a firm commitment to return with honours.
According to him, success at the championship would depend on discipline, strategy and determination, noting that the technical crew had adequately prepared the team during camping.
Adeniyi disclosed that despite financial constraints, the federation prioritised camping to ensure proper preparation for the athletes.
“Resources were tight, but we understood the importance of camping, and we made it happen because your success matters,” he said.
He assured the team of the federation’s continued commitment to their welfare and motivation, adding that the responsibility for performance rests squarely on the athletes.
The NWF President also called on the wrestlers to seize the moment and etch their names in history through outstanding performance.
“This is your opportunity to write your names in gold. Such chances are rare, and you must maximise them,” he added.
Commending the female wrestlers for their consistent dominance on the continent, Adeniyi noted that they remain defending champions and challenged the male team to rise to the occasion.
“Our women are already champions. Staying at the top is even more difficult than getting there. For the men, this is your chance to prove that Nigeria belongs at the summit of African wrestling,” he said.
Nigeria has maintained a strong presence in African wrestling in recent years, with the women’s team consistently finishing top at continental championships, including previous editions in Tunisia and Morocco.
Earlier, the team’s head coach, Akuh Purity, expressed appreciation for the federation’s support, assuring that the athletes are fully prepared to make the country proud.
“We are not just going to maintain our position; we are going to return victorious,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the athletes, Hannah Reuben and Ulabo Solomon thanked the federation for its support and pledged to justify the confidence reposed in them.
“We understand the task ahead and are determined to make Nigeria proud. We will give our best and return with honours,” they said.
