Abuja: 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.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Adeniyi emphasized that this was his first assignment as president and expressed the necessity of visiting the wrestlers to assess their level of preparedness and boost their morale. He stated that the national coach had assured him of the team’s readiness and expressed confidence that Nigerian wrestlers would make the country proud.
Adeniyi, who also heads a paramilitary organisation, highlighted the importance of discipline and fair play, cautioning athletes against doping and other unethical practices. He stressed that clean victories were preferred over indiscipline and emphasized his commitment to upholding integrity and excellence in Nigerian wrestling.
The NWF president expressed optimism about the sport’s future, noting the emergence of young and disciplined wrestlers ready to succeed established stars. He also mentioned the federation’s plans to assist athletes in transitioning into other sports-related careers, such as coaching and administration.
Adeniyi explained that the new bus would alleviate transportation and logistical challenges, especially after the team lost a vehicle in an accident last year. He mentioned that similar support would be extended to other sports bodies as part of the NCS’s corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Blessing Oborodudu, Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist and assistant coach, commended the president’s visit, describing it as a morale booster for the athletes. Wrestler Rueben Hannah also expressed gratitude for the president’s encouragement, stating that it motivated the team to perform their best.
The team is set to depart Nigeria on Nov. 14 for the Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia, with four athletes representing the country. Some team members currently training in Japan are expected to join the delegation before departure.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games, officially the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games, is also known as Riyadh 2025. The event, organized by the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA), started on Nov. 7 and will end on Nov. 25, featuring a wide range of sports and para-sports.