Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) president, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi’s untiring efforts have been cited as a key factor in the enrolment of three of the country’s wrestlers – Kolawole Esther, Christianah Ogunsanya and Adekoye Jumoke – at Iowa State University in USA.
Sports247 gathered that three wrestlers had intiially been at William Penn University, which is rated as an NAIA institution, but they have now secured scholarships to the higher-rated Iowa State, which holds a prestigious status in USA’s National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division I programme.
In the wake of the Nigerian trio’s transfer to Iowa, head coach of the country’s women’s wrestling team, Akuh Purity hailed the role played by Adeniyi and pointed out that the development reflects the nation’s rising global profile of the sport, through the federation’s sustained efforts to create pathways for its wrestlers.
Purity further noted the NWF president’s continued sponsorship of Nigerian wrestlers to international competitions that he noted has now blossomed into a huge scholarship for three graplers at one of America’s most worthy universities, which he further described as a defining moment in their careers.
While also noting that the enrolment offers them the opportunity to compete in USA’s highest and most competitive level of collegiate sports, Purity added that it also reflects the immense potential of Nigerian wrestlers when provided with the right support and international exposure.
He attributed the achievement to NWF’s leadership, as Adeniyi’s investment in the country’s wrestlers gives them opportunities to compete at the highest level, which attracted the attention of recruiters from Iowa State University, and he believes will also inspire more young wrestlers to seek excellence.
The amiable wrestling coach also called for more efforts in the development of wrestling and elite programmes, to ensure that more of Nigeria’s talents excel on the international stage, yielding opportunities to pursue academic and sports careers in USA’s top-tier universities
“This achievement is a testament to the vision and dedication of the president of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation. His financial investment and commitment to athlete development have showcased the immense talent of our wrestlers.
“Seeing Kolawole Esther, Christianah Ogunsanya and Adekoye Jumoke earn transfers to Iowa State University is a proud moment for Nigerian wrestling,” said Purity, who projected that their extra exposure would bring glorious outings for the country.
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