Adeniyi Outlines Plans For Wrestling Development

The newly-elected President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Adeniyi Bashir, is optimistic about the future of wrestling in the country, citing the successful election as a sign of progress and reform in Nigerian sports.

Adeniyi was unopposed at the 2025 National Sports Federation elections held on Saturday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

Bashir commended the transparent and peaceful nature of the process, noting that it reflected the positive impact of ongoing reforms initiated by the federal government in sports administration.

“It’s a very good feeling, first of all, seeing the environment today. This is completely different from what we used to see in years past when elections were marked by disagreements between stakeholders.

“We are beginning to see the dividends of the reforms the President is implementing in the sports sector, putting the right people in place, instituting the right processes, and ensuring credibility in the system.”

The new federation president expressed satisfaction with the level of experience among members of the newly inaugurated board.

He said this would enable the federation to hit the ground running in achieving its development goals.

Bashir said: “I am fortunate to be working with the right set of people, so I am not starting from ground zero. We have an outgoing president who has risen through all levels of the sport from athlete to coach to administrator, and he remains on the board”.

He also pledged to build on existing structures to further develop the sport, enhance athlete welfare and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness on the continental and global stage.

He said: “It’s going to be an exciting period for wrestling, and we are hopeful for the best. The new leadership of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation is expected to unveil its strategic roadmap for the next four years in the coming weeks.

CG Adeniyi polled 14 out of the 14 Executive Board Members’ Votes to emerge NWF President, although he was the sole candidate in an elective Congress held at the Gymnasium Hall, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Saturday.