Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports Development, Honourable Daniel Igali, has reaffirmed the state’s full readiness to host the nation as preparations intensify for the 4th Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Championship, scheduled to hold in Yenagoa from December 12th to 20th, 2025.
Addressing journalists during a world press conference in Yenagoa on Tuesday, Igali expressed confidence that this year’s edition will rank among the most glamorous and well-organised events in the history of the championship. He attributed the heightened expectations to the unwavering support and sports-driven vision of Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, whom he praised for consistently investing in wrestling development at both national and international levels.
“In every year since 2009, Bayelsa State has proudly hosted this competition,” Igali said. “Under His Excellency Senator Douye Diri, this is the fourth edition, and we are optimistic it will be one of the best organised events we’ve ever had.”
The Olympic gold medallist and member of the United World Wrestling (UWW) governing body also unveiled significant innovations to the 2025 edition. One of the major upgrades is the expansion of weight categories across all wrestling styles. According to him, the traditional twelve categories per style have now increased to fifteen in women’s wrestling, fifteen in Greco-Roman, and fifteen in men’s freestyle.
At the U-15 level, five additional weight classes have been introduced. Igali explained that the decision was driven by a deliberate strategy to groom and empower young wrestlers who represent the future of the sport in Nigeria. “We strongly believe in investing more in our younger athletes,” he stated.
In a historic move, Igali confirmed that the championship will, for the first time, feature traditional (beach) wrestling, rebranded and integrated formally into the program. The beach wrestling segment will host four weight classes each for men and women, further broadening participation and spectator appeal.
He also disclosed that the main wrestling events will take place at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, while the beach wrestling competitions will be staged at the Bayelsa Medical University grounds along Imgbi Road in Amarata, Yenagoa.
Delegates from across Nigeria are expected to arrive on December 12th, with actual competition beginning on December 14th, 2025. Igali assured that the state has put all necessary measures in place to deliver a seamless and memorable tournament.
