By David Owei

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.

By David Owei
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International Partners of Bayelsa Starlets, FC Barcelona of Spain have commended the Bayelsa State Government for the practical steps it has taken to ensure implementation of the MoU it signed with the government.

FC Barcelona officials particularly commended the government for the facilities it has put in place for the comfort of Starlets’ players, pointing out that players’ comfort was not negotiable if they must perform well on the field of play.

‎They made this known during their three-day visit to Bayelsa while assessing the Onopa facility located behind Government House.

They expressed satisfaction with the temporary camp of the team situated at Onopa in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
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‎In the course of the visit, which coincided with the State’s 30th anniversary celebrations, Bernat Villa-Gorriz,Technical Director FC Barcelona for Europe and Africa, said he was impressed with facilities and the hostels he saw and that the facility reflects the government’s commitment to the Memorandum of Understanding, Mou signed in May this year.
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‎According to him, the environment is not only conductive, but is equally spacious for an academy and that beyond football the accommodation would create a strong bond amongst players as they are determined to see players combine their talents and education.
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‎He also applauded the Management of the Starlets for the quality of football displayed by the players in the two matches he watched, pointing out that the team has improved tremendously compared to the last time he visited.
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‎Gorriz commended the Director General of the Prosperity Cup and his team for their determination and steadfastness in ensuring that the lads realized their potential, stressing that the academy has given the kids a means of livelihood.
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On his part, MrBernat Villa-Gorriz,Technical Director FC Barcelona Sylvester Okonkwo of Whiz-Kid Ventures, Netherlands, who brokered the deal between the Spanish football giants and the Bayelsa State Government, noted that the temporary structure of the academy was indicative of government’s readiness to set-up the Bayelsa Starlets Academy in line with the MoU that was signed between FC Barcelona and the government.
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‎Also speaking, Director General of the Prosperity Cup Mr. Ono Akpe appreciated the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe and the Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr Daniel Igali for providing the facilities as well as the funds the government has extended to the team since the academy took off.

Akpe said immediately after the MoU was signed the management of the Starlets swung into action to assemble a team from the season eight of the tournament, stressing that the selection was headed by a group of coaches led by former international, Edema Fuludu.
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‎He explained that the painstaking step that was taken by the coaches was gradually yielding results having emerged champions in the NLO Youth League that was held in Yenagoa and the players have been in camp since then, with the organization being professionally run as an academy.
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‎In separate interviews, Secretary of the Bayelsa State Football Association, Mr Diseye Nwankwe and member of the Central Organizing Committee COC, Mr Zuzu Ebimotimi, urged the lads to be disciplined and be professional in the discharge of their duties.

Meanwhile, the Bayelsa Starlets Academy have been fine-tuning their preparations for the N-Youth League with a series of training matches with neighbouring clubs.
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‎Bayelsa Starlets Academy, affiliated to FC Barcelona of Spain, will kick-start their N-Youth League campaign away to Supreme Kings FA on the 13th of October, 2026 before returning home to face PSMA Pepperest on the 20th of October, at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.

By David Owei

The President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, has urged members of Team Nigeria to display patriotism, commitment and determination as they prepare for the 2026 World Wrestling Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Adeniyi gave the charge when he visited the Nigerian wrestling team’s training camp in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Thursday, as the federation intensified preparations for the global competition scheduled for October 24th to 1st November

The NWF president said the athletes’ decision to remain in camp despite the October 1 public holiday demonstrated their dedication to national service and their determination to represent Nigeria on the international stage.

He commended the wrestlers for putting aside personal commitments to continue their preparations, describing their presence in camp on a national holiday as a reflection of the patriotic spirit required to excel at the highest level.

Adeniyi urged the athletes to remain focused and disciplined throughout the final phase of their preparations, stressing that their performance in Kazakhstan would be an opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s strength and potential in wrestling.

He charged the wrestlers to approach the championships with confidence and the mentality of athletes capable of producing outstanding results against the world’s best.

The NWF boss said the federation was determined to use the World Championships to make an ambitious statement about the progress and potential of Nigerian wrestling.

According to him, the federation has made deliberate efforts to strengthen preparations for the competition, including providing the athletes with the necessary training environment and support.

“It is also Nigeria’s Independence Day, so I felt this was an opportunity to identify with our athletes. They have been in camp for about two weeks now, preparing for a very important competition in the coming weeks. They will be representing Nigeria at the World Championships in Kazakhstan, and they have been working hard to fine-tune their strategies and get themselves ready for the challenge.”

“We want to support and motivate them to achieve the best possible results for Nigeria in Kazakhstan. Olympic qualification tickets will also be at stake, so this is not just another World Championships.” he said.

Adeniyi expressed the commitment of the federation would be complemented by the dedication of the athletes, noting that success at the global level requires collective responsibility from administrators, coaches and wrestlers.

He encouraged the team to remain united and maintain a high level of team spirit, urging them to draw motivation from the privilege of wearing the Nigerian colours.

The NWF president expressed confidence in the quality and determination of the wrestlers in camp, while calling on them to seize the opportunity to take the wrestling world by surprise with their performances.

He assured the team of the federation’s continued support and urged the athletes to give their best in Astana, saying their efforts would contribute to further strengthening Nigeria’s reputation in international wrestling.

“For the women, where we have a very big chance, we’re going with about 10 of them. For the men, we’re going with three. And then we have our athletes who are also going to be representing them.”

“We want to wish them well, encourage them to remain focused and ensure that they have the support and motivation they need to perform at their best.” Adeniyi added.

Dignitaries present at the visit were UWW Bureau Member, Hon. Daniel Igali, NWF Board member, Alhaji Saleh Ahmadu, OON, Acting Comptroller Federal Operations Unit Zone C, Deputy Comptroller Adaniya Farouk among other officials