For Nigeria’s 11 wrestlers heading to Astana, Kazakhstan, the 2026 World Wrestling Championships represent more than another international competition. It is an opportunity to turn years of hard work and success on the African continent into medals on the world stage.
With the championship running from October 23 to November 1, the Nigerian team has been charged to compete with determination and restore the country’s medal-winning fortunes at the global event.
The President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, gave the charge as the athletes departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Friday, October 23.
Adeniyi, who is also the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, was on hand to bid farewell to the contingent, expressing confidence in the wrestlers’ ability to make Nigeria proud.
He urged the athletes to carry the country’s hopes into the competition and prove that their dominance in African wrestling can translate into success against some of the world’s best.
“We must represent Nigeria with pride and strive for victory on the global stage. Having dominated the African continent, the time has come for us to translate that success into outstanding performances at the world level,” Adeniyi said.
His message comes at a crucial time for Nigerian wrestling, as the federation looks to end the country’s three-year medal drought at the World Wrestling Championships.
For the athletes, the challenge is clear: compete with discipline, remain focused and seize the opportunity to establish Nigeria’s presence among the leading wrestling nations.
Adeniyi said the federation had high expectations for the team, adding that the athletes possessed the ability to deliver impressive results and revive Nigeria’s medal-winning tradition at the championship.
“The federation has high expectations for this team, and we believe the athletes have what it takes to make Nigeria proud and restore the country’s medal-winning fortunes at the World Wrestling Championships,” he said.
The Nigerian contingent comprises eight female wrestlers and three male athletes, reflecting the country’s representation across several weight categories.
Among the female wrestlers is Mercy Adekuoroye, who will compete in the 68kg category, alongside Genesis Mercy Miesinnei in the 50kg category, Christianah Tolulope Ogunsanya in the 53kg category and seven other athletes.
The male team features Stephen Tope Akintewe in the 65kg category, Ebierelayefa Allison Andrew in the 74kg category and Harrison Onovwiomogbhwo in the 97kg category.
They will be guided by a coaching team comprising Purity Akuh, Blessing Oborududu, Areh Agberekeme and Jacob Lee Kadel.
The delegation also includes NWF Vice President Christopher Amkpila and Secretary-General Bode Oluwasegun Ademisoro.
As the championship gets underway, attention will be on whether the Nigerian wrestlers can convert their continental achievements into podium finishes against elite international opponents.
For the federation, the stakes extend beyond individual performances. Ending the three-year wait for a world championship medal would mark an important milestone for Nigerian wrestling and provide renewed confidence in the country’s ability to compete at the highest level.
With Adeniyi’s charge ringing in their ears, the athletes now have the responsibility of turning the federation’s expectations into results on the mat.
Team Nigeria’s Contingent to the 2026 World Wrestling Championships
Female wrestlers
- Genesis Mercy Miesinnei — 50kg
- Christianah Tolulope Ogunsanya — 53kg
- Adijat Avorshai Idris — 55kg
- Jumoke Bukola Adekoye — 57kg
- Esther Olamide Asaolu — 59kg
- Esther Kolawole — 62kg
- Mercy Adekuoroye — 68kg
- Damola Hannah Ojo — 76kg
Male wrestlers 9. Stephen Tope Akintewe — 65kg 10. Ebierelayefa Allison Andrew — 74kg 11. Harrison Onovwiomogbhwo — 97kg
Coaches
- Purity Akuh
- Blessing Oborududu
- Areh Agberekeme
- Jacob Lee Kadel
Officials
- Bashir Adewale Adeniyi — President
- Christopher Amkpila — Vice President
- Bode Oluwasegun Ademisoro — Secretary-General
