Adeniyi praises wrestlers' commitment
The NWF president commended the athletes for remaining in camp despite Nigeria’s Independence Day public holiday.
According to Adeniyi, the decision to continue training on the national holiday demonstrated the wrestlers’ commitment to representing Nigeria at the international level.
“It is also Nigeria’s Independence Day, so I felt this was an opportunity to identify with our athletes. They have been in camp for about two weeks now, preparing for a very important competition in the coming weeks,” Adeniyi said.
He urged the wrestlers to maintain their focus and discipline during the final phase of their preparations and approach the championships with confidence.
Olympic qualification at stake
Adeniyi highlighted the importance of the Astana championships, noting that Olympic qualification places will be available at the competition.
“We want to support and motivate them to achieve the best possible results for Nigeria in Kazakhstan. Olympic qualification tickets will also be at stake, so this is not just another World Championships,” he said.
The NWF president said the federation’s support would need to be matched by the commitment of the athletes, coaches and administrators as Nigeria targets strong performances on the global stage.
Nigeria prepares a strong women's team
Adeniyi disclosed that Nigeria plans to field about 10 female wrestlers and three male wrestlers at the championships, alongside other athletes representing the country.
The Nigerian team has been undergoing an extended preparation programme, including an earlier training camp in Oklahoma in the United States, where the wrestlers competed against athletes from NCAA Division I programmes. The team subsequently continued its preparations through closed camping in Nigeria.
Nigeria also enters the championships after a strong showing at the 2026 African Wrestling Championships in Alexandria, Egypt, where the women's team won eight gold and two silver medals.
Astana hosts world championships
The 2026 World Wrestling Championships will take place in Astana, Kazakhstan, from October 24 to November 1.
With Olympic qualification opportunities at stake, Team Nigeria will continue its preparations in the coming weeks before heading to Kazakhstan.
Competition details
• Competition: 2026 World Wrestling Championships
• Venue: Astana, Kazakhstan
• Date: October 24 – November 1, 2026
• Nigeria Wrestling Federation president: Bashir Adewale Adeniyi
• Training camp: Yenagoa, Bayelsa State