NWF President backs Team Nigeria to shine at the 2026 African Wrestling Championship

The President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has extended his strong support to Team Nigeria as they depart Nigeria ahead of the 2026 African Wrestling Championships in Alexandria, Egypt.

The contingent departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Tuesday ahead of the event, scheduled from April 27 to May 2, 2026, featuring the U17, U20 and Senior categories.

The contingent, made up of 10 female and eight male wrestlers, will compete for success in 18 explosive categories.

Bidding farewell to the athletes before departure, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who doubles as Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, charged the team to strengthen their existing dominance on the African scene.

Believing that the aim is to retain the women’s category of the championship, which the country has won 14 times, a record for any sporting event Nigeria has ever participated in.

“I want to thank all of you for the discipline and dedication you have shown during your time in the camp. This is the spirit you must show in Egypt.”

“Going into this championship, we are the current women’s champions and we have to do our best to bring home the title for the 15th time.” Adeniyi said.

The NWF President expressed high expectations for the team to make the entire country proud, reminding the athletes that they are ambassadors of the nation.

“Continue to believe in yourselves, do your best and maintain a high level of discipline to make the country proud.”

“We implore you to do your best and ensure that the Nigerian flag is raised victoriously in Alexandria.” He said.

Meanwhile, below are the names of athletes, coaches and officials heading to the African Wrestling Championships in Egypt

Female

1. Genesis Misericordia Miesinnei 50kg
2. Ogunsanya Christianah Tolulope 53kg
3. Idris Adijat Avorshai 55kg
4. Adekoye Jumoke Bukola 57kg
5. Asaolu Esther Olamide 59kg
6. Kolawole Esther 62kg
7. Adekuoroye Mercy 65kg
8. Ruben Hannah 68kg
9. Biogos Ebi 72kg
10. Ojo Damola Hannah 76kg

Male

11. Salvatore Egoli 61kg
12. Akintewe Stephen Tope 65kg
13. Erefagha Didekemei 70kg
14. Andrew Ebierelayefa Allison 74kg
15. Ulabo Solomon 79kg
16. Eseimokumoh Gooddy Oyeme 86kg
17. Newlife Ebikeme oyobi 92kg
18. Onovwiomogbhwo Harrison 97kg

Coaches

19. Akuh Purity
20. Oborududu Blessing
21. Agberekeme Areh

Referees

22. Yusuf Usman
23. Adebiyi Antonio

Officials

24. Bashir Adeniyi Adewale (President)
25. Amkpila Christopher (Vice President
26. Daniel Baraladei Igali (UWW member)
27. Ademisoro Oluwasegun Bode (Secretary-General)