Joel Ajayi

The newly elected President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) and Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has charged Team Nigeria’s wrestlers to give their best performance as they prepare to represent the country at the forthcoming Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia.

During his visit to the wrestlers’ training camp at Package B of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, Adeniyi urged the athletes to uphold the values of discipline, integrity, and excellence, encouraging them to “soar high, compete clean, and make Nigeria proud both on and off the mat.”

He emphasized that discipline remains the foundation of success, warning against doping and other unethical practices that could tarnish the nation’s reputation.

“We do not want to achieve glory through foul means,” he said. “I would prefer a disciplined athlete to an undisciplined winner. Go out there, do it clean, and win clean.”

As part of his first official assignment since assuming office, Adeniyi donated a brand-new bus to the Federation to improve the movement and logistics of athletes.

He explained that the gesture was a response to a tragic accident involving the wrestling team last year while returning from a tournament in Bayelsa, which claimed lives and left their vehicle completely damaged.

“Since that incident, I made up my mind to replace the vehicle to ease the federation’s transportation challenges,” he said. “This bus is a token of our appreciation and support for the hard work and sacrifices of our athletes.”

CGC Adeniyi commended the dedication of the coaches and athletes, expressing optimism about the team’s readiness for the Games. He praised the rise of a new generation of talented wrestlers who are ready to build on the success of Nigerian champions such as Blessing Oborududu, Mercy and Odunayo Adekuoroye.

He also assured that the new NWF board would prioritize athlete welfare and post-career development, helping wrestlers transition into other areas of sports such as coaching, administration, officiating, and journalism.

 “We will take full responsibility for their development and future,” he said. “Our aim is to show that Nigeria truly appreciates its athletes.”

Dr. Adeniyi further revealed plans to extend similar corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives to other sports federations, including the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation, as part of efforts to promote youth development through sports.

Meanwhile, Assistant Coach Blessing Oborududu expressed confidence in the team’s preparation and discipline, noting that the wrestlers were focused and in high spirits ahead of the Games.

 “All the athletes in camp are responding well to training. With just two weeks to the tournament, we are perfecting existing techniques rather than introducing new ones,” she said. “The President’s visit has really motivated the athletes — it shows that the Federation stands firmly behind them.”

She added that four wrestlers will represent Nigeria at the Islamic Games, with some currently training abroad. “The team will depart on November 14, and Coach Purity will join us before we travel,” she confirmed.

Team captain Rueben Hannah (68kg) also expressed gratitude for the President’s encouragement, describing it as a source of inspiration.

“My expectation is to give my all and make Nigeria proud,” she said. “The President’s visit has boosted our morale. His words are a challenge to us to push harder and bring home medals. We are known for excellence, and we intend to maintain that reputation.”

The Nigerian wrestlers are scheduled to compete in various categories at the Games later this month, with the Federation expressing confidence in their ability to deliver strong performances while upholding fair play, integrity, and national pride.

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