The President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, has congratulated Team Nigeria on the country’s historic achievement at the ongoing Veterans World Wrestling Championships in Amman, Jordan.

Adeniyi described the feat as a significant milestone for Nigerian wrestling after the country secured its first-ever medal at the Veterans World Wrestling Championships.

The championship, organised by United World Wrestling (UWW), is holding from October 6 to 11, 2026, featuring Greco-Roman and Freestyle wrestling for athletes aged 35 and above across various age categories.

Wrestling veteran and former national champion, Mapsin Elias Mika, etched his name into the history books by becoming the first Nigerian veteran wrestler to win a medal at the global competition.

Mika claimed a bronze medal in the 70kg Greco-Roman category, earning Nigeria its maiden podium finish at the Veterans World Wrestling Championships.

In a congratulatory message issued on behalf of the NWF Board, Adeniyi commended Mika for his outstanding performance, describing the achievement as a moment of immense pride for Nigeria and the entire wrestling community.

He noted that the historic medal had written Nigeria’s name into the record books of world veterans wrestling while further strengthening the country’s growing presence and reputation on the international stage.

The NWF President also acknowledged the contribution of veteran coach Babatunde James, popularly known as Tunde King, for his role in guiding and supporting Mika during his successful campaign in Amman.

“On behalf of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation Board, I congratulate Mapsin Elias Mika and Tunde King on this historic feat. This historic achievement is a moment of immense pride for Nigeria and the entire wrestling community.

“Their dedication and passion for wrestling, even after retiring from active competition, demonstrate the enduring commitment of our veterans to the development of the sport. Writing Nigeria’s name in the record books of world veterans wrestling will further strengthen our country’s growing presence and reputation on the international stage,” Adeniyi said.

He added that the achievement underscored the importance of veterans and legends to the growth of wrestling, stressing that the experience and knowledge of former athletes could play a vital role in inspiring and mentoring the younger generation.

Adeniyi disclosed that the federation, under his leadership, had deliberately incorporated veteran wrestling into its strategic blueprint as part of efforts to recognise the contributions of former athletes and keep them actively connected to the sport.

The NWF boss assured Nigeria’s wrestling legends and veterans that the current NWF Board would continue to support initiatives aimed at promoting their welfare, involvement and contributions to the sport.

He stressed that their years of service to the country would continue to be appreciated and valued.