By Aderonke Ojo
The President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Bashir Adeniyi, on Saturday presented a brand-new bus to the federation as part of efforts to enhance athletes’ welfare and improve logistics ahead of the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Adeniyi, who recently assumed office as NWF President, made the donation during a visit to the national wrestling camp in Abuja, where he met with athletes and technical officials currently preparing for the international event.
“This is my first assignment as president, and I felt it was necessary to come and see our wrestlers, assess their level of preparedness, and boost their morale,” Adeniyi said.
He explained that the gesture was in line with his administration’s vision to support athletes and restore confidence in the federation’s leadership.
The NWF president, who also serves as a senior official in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), said discipline, integrity, and fair play would remain central to his administration’s approach to sports management.
“In the Nigeria Customs Service, we emphasise discipline, and this is equally important in sports. We want to achieve glory cleanly. I told them to win clean — I would prefer a disciplined team that plays by the rules than an indisciplined winner,” he said.
Adeniyi expressed optimism about the future of Nigerian wrestling, noting the emergence of a younger generation of athletes ready to succeed established stars such as Blessing Oborodudu and Mercy Genesis.
“Wrestling has been one of Nigeria’s best-performing sports. I’m excited that we now have a younger crop of wrestlers who are versatile and disciplined. As a board, we have an obligation to look after their welfare and take responsibility for their development,” he added.
The NWF president also revealed plans to support athletes transitioning into other sports-related careers, including coaching, administration, refereeing, and sports journalism.
He said the new vehicle replaces a bus lost in a fatal accident last year, in which some wrestlers lost their lives while returning from a competition in Bayelsa State.
“Over a year ago, our athletes were involved in an accident while returning from a competition in Bayelsa. We lost some of them, and the vehicle was written off. Since then, I made up my mind to replace the bus. It took some time, but I’m glad we have now fulfilled that promise,” he said.
He added that the NCS would continue to support Nigerian sports through corporate social responsibility initiatives, including partnerships with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the National Sports Commission (NSC).
“We know the potential of sports to change the lives of our youth. We will continue to make both corporate and individual investments to support Nigerian athletes,” he said.
Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist and NWF assistant coach, Blessing Oborodudu, described the visit as a morale booster for the team.
“His coming is a good thing; it motivates the athletes and shows that someone is behind them. Everyone in camp is training well, and we are improving our techniques ahead of the Games. I am confident we will return with medals,” Oborodudu said.
Also speaking, Rueben Hannah, who will compete in the 68kg category, said the president’s presence and encouragement had strengthened the team’s resolve to excel in Riyadh.
“I feel very good and really motivated. His visit is a push and a challenge for us to give our best. We want to make our country proud and bring home medals by God’s grace,” she said.
The Nigerian wrestling team is expected to depart the country on November 14 for the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with four athletes representing the nation. Some wrestlers currently training in Japan are expected to join the delegation before departure.
The Islamic Solidarity Games, which began on November 7 and will run until November 25, feature 21 sports and two para-sports.
The competition, organized by the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA), brings together athletes from across the Muslim world in a celebration of sporting excellence and unity.
With renewed leadership, improved welfare, and growing optimism, Nigerian wrestlers are confident of making a strong impression when the Games begin in Riyadh.