Nigeria’s women’s national wrestling coach, Purity Akuh has heaped praises on the federation’s president, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for giving approval to the country’s grapplers to attend a training camp at Iowa State University in the United States of America.
Sports247 reports that Akuh reasoned that the training camp will be a formidable preparation for Nigeria’s wrestlers ahead of the 2026 World Wrestling Championship in Astana, Kazakhstan, which is scheduled to hold from October 24th to November 1st.
Akuh explained further that the camp is also aimed at bringing together Nigerian wrestlers based in different parts of the USA, provide them an opportunity to train effectively together, sharpen their skills with sophisticated equipment and expose them to high-level drills ahead of the global event.
He noted as well that Nigeria’s top wrestlers studying in the United States will have the opportunity to undergo effective training at the camp, while some who are still home-based but have valid US visas and those born abroad who are willing to represent Nigeria will join the programme.
While noting that the camp will serve as a platform for identifying and integrating talented wrestlers of Nigerian descent into the national teams, Akuh enthused that their participation will broaden the pool available to the country for the World Wrestling Championships.
He further described the establishment of the training base as an important component of the team’s preparation for the upcoming championship, as the camp will provide an excellent opportunity to practise with modern equipment and facilities, while gaining valuable exposure.
He disclosed further that the Nigerian wrestlers will have sparring sessions with members of USA’s army wrestling team, and then commended the NWF’s president for approving the initiative as well as ensuring that everything needed is in place to make the training programme a success.
“I want to sincerely thank the president of Nigeria Wrestling Federation for his tremendous contribution and continued support to our athletes and coaches. His commitment to providing the resources and opportunities we need is helping us prepare at the highest level for the World Championships.
“Opportunities such as the Iowa training camp are important for exposing Nigerian wrestlers to world-class facilities, high-level competition, and some of the best athletes and coaches in the sport,” Akuh submitted enthusiastically.
Sports247 gathered further that, as the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) steps up preparations for the global championship in Astana, Kazakhstan, officials hope the Iowa camp will strengthen the connection between Nigerian wrestlers based at home and those in the diaspora.
The NWF aims to build a stronger and more competitive team capable of delivering impressive performances at the forthcoming championship as well as in continuation of the federation’s drive to improve Nigeria’s results, as the country’s last medal was won by Odunayo Adekuoroye in 2023.
