The Secretary of the Nigeria Armwrestling Federation, Omolola Joy Olatunji, has described Team Nigeria’s performance at the African Armwrestling Championship 2026 in Accra as a defining moment in the country’s rise within the sport.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Sports247Naija, Olatunji highlighted that beyond the impressive medal haul, the depth of talent within the squad stood out as a major positive.
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“The performance in Accra was a statement of intent. Nigeria is no longer relying on just a handful of stars—we are building a broad base of athletes who can compete at the highest level,” she said. “Their resilience, tactical awareness, and ability to adapt under pressure were clear indicators of growth.”
Olatunji, who also served as a referee during the championship, offered a unique perspective on Nigeria’s competitiveness across the continent. Comparing the team with traditional powerhouses like Ghana, Egypt, and South Africa, she noted significant progress.
“Nigeria is closing the gap. Our discipline, adaptability, and respect for officiating standards are now on par with continental leaders,” she added.
According to her, key factors behind Nigeria’s qualification for the 2027 African Games include structured preparation, strong team cohesion, and improved technical coaching. However, she acknowledged areas that require further development.
“We must strengthen fitness conditioning, build greater mental toughness for finals, and invest more in grassroots development to sustain long-term success,” Olatunji explained.
She emphasized that preparation and coordination played a central role in the team’s success, alongside a growing understanding of officiating standards, which helped reduce penalties and improve performance outcomes.
Looking ahead, Olatunji revealed that Team Nigeria is already setting its sights on the next continental challenge, including the African Games in Cairo and future championships.
“Fans should expect sharper conditioning programs, tactical versatility, and the integration of youth talent alongside experienced athletes. We are not just aiming for medals—we are positioning Nigeria as a continental powerhouse,” she concluded.
With momentum building, Nigeria’s armwrestling team appears poised for sustained success on the African stage.
