Adeniyi Charges Nigerian Wrestlers to Win Medals at African Championship in Egypt

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

The Comptroller-General of Customs and President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Adewale Adeniyi, has urged Nigeria’s wrestlers to make the country proud and return with medals at the African Wrestling Championships in Alexandria next month.

Adeniyi gave the charge on Tuesday while hosting athletes, coaches and officials of the federation at the Nigeria Customs Service headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, ahead of their departure.

He told the athletes that qualifying to represent Nigeria at the continental event was both a privilege and a major responsibility.

According to him, the wrestlers are no longer representing their individual states but the country and must compete as ambassadors of Nigeria.

Adeniyi urged the team to be motivated by the prospect of hearing the national anthem during medal presentations and challenged them to return home with honours.

He said discipline, commitment and strategy would be key to success, adding that the technical crew had worked hard to prepare the athletes during camping.

The Customs boss also assured the team that the federation would continue to prioritise their welfare and motivation.

He praised the women’s team, who are defending champions, and challenged the men’s team to prove Nigeria’s strength in African wrestling.

Head coach Akuh Purity thanked Adeniyi for his support and pledged that the athletes would represent the country well.

Athletes Hannah Reuben and Ulabo Solomon also expressed appreciation and promised to make Nigerians proud at the championship.