The President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has approved the establishment of a training camp at Iowa State University in the United States as part of preparations for the 2026 World Wrestling Championships.
The championships are scheduled to hold in Astana, Kazakhstan, from October 24 to November 1, 2026.
The camp is aimed at bringing together Nigerian wrestlers based in different parts of the United States to train collectively, sharpen their skills and gain high-level preparation ahead of the global event.
Some of Nigeria’s top wrestlers currently studying in the U.S. will undergo intensive training at the camp, while several home-based wrestlers with valid American visas have also joined the programme.
In addition, Nigerian-born athletes residing in the U.S. who are eligible and willing to represent Nigeria will be given the opportunity to participate. The initiative is expected to broaden the pool of athletes available to the country and provide a platform for identifying and integrating talented wrestlers of Nigerian descent into the national team.
The federation said the camp will also strengthen the connection between home-based wrestlers and those in the diaspora, with the aim of building a more competitive team capable of delivering impressive performances in Astana.
Reacting to the development, Nigeria’s women’s wrestling coach, Purity Akuh, described the camp as a critical component of the team’s preparation.
According to him, the camp will afford the athletes access to modern equipment and facilities, as well as exposure through competitive dual meets in the United States.
He said the wrestlers will also have the opportunity to test their skills against strong opposition, including the U.S. Army wrestling team, while training alongside some of America’s top wrestlers.
Akuh expressed confidence that the experience would significantly enhance the athletes’ readiness and competitiveness ahead of the World Championships.
He commended the NWF President for ensuring that all necessary arrangements are in place for the success of the camp.
“I want to sincerely thank the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Adewale Adeniyi, 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,” he said.
The federation said it is focused on improving Nigeria’s performance at the World Championships, with the country’s last medal won by Odunayo Adekuoroye at the 2023 edition.
