By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
The Comptroller-General of Customs and President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Adewale Adeniyi, has charged Nigeria’s wrestlers to make the country proud by returning home with medals at the forthcoming African Wrestling Championships scheduled for May 2026 in Alexandria, Egypt.
Adeniyi gave the charge on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, while hosting athletes, coaches, and officials at the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, ahead of their departure for the continental tournament.
Addressing the team, the NWF President described their qualification as both a privilege and a weighty responsibility, noting that many other athletes would have wished for the same opportunity.
“I congratulate you all for earning this opportunity. Representing the national flag at a continental championship is a great responsibility placed on your shoulders,” he said.
He reminded the wrestlers that they were no longer competing as individuals representing their respective states, but as ambassadors of Nigeria.
“You are no longer representing Bayelsa, Ondo, Lagos, or any other state. You are now ambassadors of the green-white-green, and that is something we treasure deeply,” Adeniyi added.
The Customs boss urged the athletes to draw motivation from the prospect of hearing the Nigerian national anthem during medal ceremonies, encouraging them to make a personal commitment to return with honours.
“I want that thought to motivate you from the moment you step on Egyptian soil. Make a personal commitment that you are returning on that aircraft with medals,” he charged.
Adeniyi stressed that success at the championship would require discipline, strategy, commitment, and determination, noting that the technical crew had worked hard to prepare the athletes during camping.
“There is a journey between stepping onto the mat and leaving with a medal. It takes effort, energy, discipline, and commitment. I believe your coaches have instilled these values in you,” he said.
Despite limited resources, he disclosed that the federation ensured a camping programme was organised, underscoring its importance to the team’s preparation.
“When the proposal for camping came, resources were tight, but we knew how important it was, so we made every effort to make it happen,” Adeniyi stated.
He further assured the athletes of the federation’s continued commitment to their welfare and motivation.
“We leave the responsibility of performance in your hands, while the federation will take care of your welfare and motivation. We will not let you down,” he assured.
The NWF President also urged the wrestlers to seize the opportunity to earn national recognition through outstanding performances.
“This is your chance to write your names in gold. Opportunities like this do not come all the time, so you must make the best use of it,” he said.
Commending the female wrestlers, Adeniyi noted that Nigeria’s women’s team are defending champions and challenged the men’s team to rise to the occasion.
“Our women are already champions. It is difficult to get to the top, but harder to remain there. For the men, this is an opportunity to prove that Nigeria belongs at the top of African wrestling,” he added.
Nigeria has maintained dominance in African wrestling in recent years, with the women’s team finishing top at several continental championships, including previous editions in Hammamet, Tunisia, and Casablanca, Morocco.
Head coach Akuh Purity commended Adeniyi for his unwavering support, assuring that the team would justify the confidence placed in them.
“We are fully committed to representing Nigeria well. 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 expressed appreciation for the support received and pledged to deliver strong performances.
“We appreciate the encouragement and support. We understand the task ahead and are ready to fight for Nigeria. We will do our best to return with honours and make Nigerians proud,” they said.
