By Nkechi Eze
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service and President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Adewale Adeniyi, has charged members of the national wrestling team to uphold Nigeria’s dominance on the continent and return home with medals as they prepare for the 2026 African Wrestling Championships in Alexandria, Egypt.
Adeniyi gave the charge on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, while hosting athletes, coaches, and officials of the federation at the Customs Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, ahead of their departure for the tournament.
Addressing the team, the NWF President described their qualification for the continental championship as both a privilege and a weighty national assignment, urging them to approach the competition with a deep sense of responsibility.
“I congratulate you all for earning this opportunity. Many other athletes would love to be in your position. Representing the national flag at a continental championship is a great responsibility and obligation placed on your shoulders,” Adeniyi said.
He reminded the wrestlers that they would be competing not as representatives of their respective states but as ambassadors of Nigeria, stressing the importance of national pride.
“You are no longer representing Bayelsa, Ondo, Lagos or any other state. You are now ambassadors of the green-white-green. That is something we treasure deeply,” he added.
Adeniyi further urged the athletes to draw motivation from the prospect of national honour, particularly the pride of hearing Nigeria’s anthem during medal ceremonies.
“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 stated.
Highlighting the demands of elite competition, the Customs boss noted that success would depend on discipline, strategic execution, and unwavering commitment, expressing confidence in the technical crew’s preparation of the team.
“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 tried to instill these values in you,” Adeniyi said.
He disclosed that despite financial constraints, the federation prioritised the team’s camping programme, recognising its critical role in performance readiness.
“When the proposal for camping came, resources were tight, but I knew how important it was. That was why we made every effort to make it happen,” he explained.
Reaffirming the federation’s commitment to athlete welfare, Adeniyi assured the team of continued support and motivation while placing the responsibility for podium finishes squarely on their shoulders.
“We leave the responsibility of performing well in your hands, while the federation will take care of your welfare and motivation. I assure you, we will not let you down,” he said.
He also challenged the wrestlers to seize the moment as an opportunity for national recognition and career advancement.
“This is your chance to write your names in gold. It does not come all the time, but when it comes, you must make the best use of it,” he added.
Adeniyi paid special tribute to the female wrestlers, who are defending continental champions, while urging the men’s team to rise to the same level of excellence.
“Our women are already champions. It is difficult to get to the top, but harder to remain there. For the men, this is another opportunity to show that Nigeria belongs at the top of African wrestling,” he said.
Nigeria has maintained a commanding presence in African wrestling, particularly in the women’s category, topping medal tables at recent championships held in Hammamet, Tunisia, and Casablanca, Morocco.
Head coach, Akuh Purity, commended Adeniyi for his consistent support, assuring that the team is fully prepared to deliver outstanding results.
“We want to assure him of our full commitment to represent Nigeria very well. We are not just going there to maintain our position; we are going there to come back victorious,” he said.
On behalf of the athletes, Hannah Reuben and Ulabo Solomon expressed appreciation for the federation’s backing, pledging to justify the confidence placed in them.
“We appreciate the encouragement and the support we have received. We know the task ahead, and we are ready to fight for Nigeria. We will do our best to return with honours. We know what is expected of us. We are going there with determination and focus. We want to make Nigerians proud and show that we can compete with the best in Africa,” they said.
With preparations completed and morale high, Team Nigeria heads to Egypt carrying the weight of expectation and the ambition to reinforce its status as a continental powerhouse in wrestling.
