By Aderonke Ojo
The President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Bashir Adeniyi, has visited national wrestlers in camp in Abuja and presented a new bus to the federation.
Adeniyi, who recently assumed office as NWF president, said the gesture was part of his administration’s commitment to improving athletes’ welfare and ensuring effective logistics ahead of the Islamic Games in Saudi Arabia.
“This is my first assignment as president, and I felt it was necessary to come and see our wrestlers, assess their level of preparedness, and boost their morale,” he said.
The NWF president added that the national coach had assured him of the team’s readiness, expressing confidence that Nigerian wrestlers would make the country proud.
Adeniyi, who also heads a paramilitary organisation, emphasised discipline and fair play, cautioning athletes against doping and other unethical practices.
“In the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) we emphasise discipline, and this is equally important in sports.
“We want to achieve glory cleanly. I told them to win clean and would prefer a discipline team that plays by the rules than an indiscipline winner,” he said.
He added that as a new board, the federation was determined to uphold integrity and excellence in Nigerian wrestling.
Adeniyi also expressed optimism about the sport’s future, noting the rise of young, disciplined wrestlers ready to succeed stars such as Blessing Oborodudu and Mercy Genesis.
“Wrestling has been one of Nigeria’s best-performing sports. I’m excited that we now have a younger crop of wrestlers who are versatile and disciplined.
“As a board, we have an obligation to look after their welfare and take responsibility for their development,” he said.
According to him, the federation also plans to assist athletes in transitioning into other sports-related careers, including coaching, administration, refereeing, and journalism.
Adeniyi explained that the new bus would ease transportation and logistical challenges, especially after the team lost a vehicle in an accident last year that claimed the lives of some athletes.
“Over a year ago, our athletes were involved in an accident while returning from a competition in Bayelsa.
“We lost some of them, and the vehicle was written off. Since then, I made up my mind to replace the bus.
“It took some time, but I’m glad we have now fulfilled that promise,” he said.
He added that similar gestures would be extended to other sports bodies as part of the NCS’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, including support for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the National Sports Commission (NSC)
“We know the potential of sports to change the lives of our youth.
“We will continue to make both corporate and individual investments to support Nigerian athletes,” he said.
Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist and assistant coach, Blessing Oborodudu, commended the president’s visit, describing it as a morale booster.
“His coming is a good thing; it motivates the athletes and shows that someone is behind them.
“Everyone in camp is training well, and we are improving our techniques ahead of the games. I am confident we will return with medals,” she said.
Wrestler Rueben Hannah, who will compete in the 68kg category, also expressed gratitude for the president’s encouragement.
“I feel very good and really motivated. His visit is a push and a challenge for us to give our best.
“We want to make our country proud and bring home medals by God’s grace,” she said.
The team is expected to depart Nigeria on Nov. 14 for the Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia, with four athletes representing the country.
Some members of the team currently training in Japan are expected to join the delegation before departure.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games officially the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games is also known as Riyadh 2025.
NAN reports that a total of 21 sports and two para-sports which will feature at the games include Athletics, 3×3 Basketball, Boxing, Equestrian, Fencing, Volleyball, Esports, Table Tennis, Wrestling, Weightlifting, Wushu, Handball, Muaythai, Athletes Jump.
Others are Fustal, Swimming, Judo, Karate, Taekwondo, Duathlon, Ju-jistu and Athletics (except for jumps).
The events which started on Nov. 7 to end on Nov. 25, is an inter-continental multi- sports event organised by the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joseph Edeh
