The President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, has congratulated Team Nigeria on the country’s historic achievement at the ongoing Veterans World Wrestling Championships in Amman, Jordan.
Adeniyi described the feat as a significant milestone for Nigerian wrestling following the country’s first-ever medal at the Veterans World Wrestling Championships.
The championship, organised by United World Wrestling (UWW), is taking place from October 6 to 11, 2026, featuring Greco-Roman and Freestyle wrestling for athletes aged 35 and above across various age categories.
Wrestling veteran and former national champion, Mapsin Elias Mika, etched his name into the history books by becoming the first Nigerian veteran wrestler to win a medal at the global competition. Mika secured a bronze medal in the 70kg Greco-Roman wrestling category to give Nigeria its maiden podium finish at the Veterans World Wrestling Championships
In a congratulatory message issued on behalf of the NWF Board, Adeniyi commended Mika for his outstanding performance and described the achievement as a moment of pride for the country and the wrestling community
He said the historic medal had written Nigeria’s name in the record books of world veterans wrestling while also further strengthening the country’s growing presence and reputation on the international wrestling scene.
The NWF President also acknowledged the contribution of veteran coach Babatunde James, popularly known as Tunde King, for his role in guiding and supporting Mika in his successful campaign at the championships
“On behalf of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation Board, I congratulate Mapsin Elias Mika and Tunde King on this historic feat. This historic achievement is a moment of immense pride for Nigeria and the entire wrestling community.”
“Their dedication and passion for wrestling, even after retiring from active competition, demonstrate the enduring commitment of our veterans to the development of the sport. Writing Nigeria’s name in the record books of world veterans wrestling will further strengthen our country’s growing presence and reputation on the international stage.” Adeniyi said.
He said the achievement underscored the importance of veterans and legends in the growth of wrestling, adding that the experience and knowledge of former athletes could play a vital role in inspiring and mentoring the younger generation.
The NWF boss disclosed that the federation under his leadership had deliberately incorporated veteran wrestling into its strategic blueprint, stressing that the initiative was aimed at recognising the contributions of former athletes and keeping them actively connected to the sport.
Adeniyi assured Nigeria’s wrestling legends and veterans that the current NWF Board would continue to support initiatives that promote their welfare, involvement and contributions to the sport, stressing that their years of service to the country would remain appreciated and valued.
