Adeniyi sets up US Training Camp ahead of 2026 World Wrestling Championships
The President Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, has given nod to the establishment of a training camp in Iowa State University in the United States as part of preparation for the forthcoming World Wrestling Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, scheduled for October 24th to November 1st 2026
The camp is aimed at bringing together Nigerian wrestlers based in different parts of the United States, providing an opportunity for them to train collectively and sharpen their skills, expose them to high-level preparation ahead of the global event.
Some of Nigeria’s top wrestlers currently studying in the United States will have the opportunity to undergo effective training at the camp, while several home-based wrestlers with valid US visas have also joined the training programme.
In addition, Nigerian-born athletes residing in the United States who are eligible and willing to represent Nigeria will have the opportunity to participate in the training programme, providing a platform for identifying and integrating talented wrestlers of Nigerian descent into the national team setup.
Their participation will also broaden the pool of athletes available to the country as the Nigeria Wrestling Federation intensifies preparations for the 2026 World Wrestling Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan
The federation is also hopeful that the camp will strengthen the connection between Nigerian wrestlers based at home and those in the diaspora. By bringing the athletes together under one training programme.
The NWF aims to build a stronger and more competitive team capable of delivering impressive performances for Nigeria at the championships.
Reacting to the initiative by the NWF President, Nigeria’s women’s wrestling coach, Purity Akuh, described the establishment of the training camp as an important component of the team’s preparation for the upcoming World Wrestling Championships.
Maintaining the camp would provide the athletes with an excellent opportunity to train with modern equipment and facilities while gaining valuable exposure through competitive dual meets in the United States.
According to Purity, the wrestlers, will also have the opportunity to test their skills against strong opposition, including the U.S. Army wrestling team, while training alongside some of the country’s top wrestlers.
He expressed confidence that the experience would significantly enhance the athletes’ readiness and competitiveness ahead of the World Championships.
Purity expressed his appreciation to the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), particularly its President, Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for ensuring that all necessary arrangements and resources are in place to make the training camp a success.
“I want to sincerely thank the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Adewale Adeniyi, for his tremendous contribution and continued support to our athletes and coaches.
“His commitment to providing the resources and opportunities we need is helping us prepare at the highest level for the World Championships.”
“Opportunities such as the Iowa training camp are important for exposing Nigerian wrestlers to world-class facilities, high-level competition, and some of the best athletes and coaches in the sport.” Purity said
The federation’s drive is to improve on Nigeria’s recent performances at the World Championships, with the country’s last medal coming through Odunayo Adekuoroye at the 2023 edition.
