Nigeria’s newest sports sensation, Adefunke Afeniforo, is on the brink of missing out on the World Armwrestling & Para-Armwrestling Championships currently underway in Albena, Bulgaria (September 10–22, 2025), despite securing her visa and shocking the continent with her recent heroics.
The 21-year-old athlete, who hails from Oyo State, became the talk of Africa at the 14th African Armwrestling Championship in Abuja, where she stunned fans by dethroning long-standing African champion Olaleye Marie of Benin Republic in the Youth Women’s 60kg category.
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Her remarkable debut instantly marked her as one of the fastest-rising forces in African armwrestling.
But her dream is now at risk. With only days left before her scheduled bouts in Bulgaria, Afeniforo is stranded due to lack of fund to cover flights, accommodation, and competition logistics.
“I have my visa, I have trained hard, and I am ready to fight for Nigeria. But without help, I cannot travel. It will be heartbreaking to miss this chance after all my sacrifice,” Afeniforo said.
This urgent appeal goes to the Nigeria Armwrestling Federation (NAF), Oyo State Government, philanthropists, corporate bodies, and sports-loving Nigerians to intervene immediately.
It will be recalled that National Sports Commission raised fund to support the Federation for the hosting the just concluded Africa Championship in Abuja.
The World Championship is not just about medals — it is a crucial pathway for global ranking and qualification, and missing out would cost Nigeria valuable ground ahead of the 2027 All-Africa Games in Egypt.
Unless swift action is taken, Nigeria risks losing the chance to see its latest revelation — a symbol of youth strength and resilience — compete and shine on the world stage.
