NWF President Adeniyi congratulates Adeniyi on UWW Level 2 Refereeing Certification
President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, has congratulated Adebiyi Anthony Olusegun on his successful attainment of the Level 2 United World Wrestling (UWW) Refereeing Certification.
Adebiyi completed the Level 2 Referees Course held during the 2026 African Wrestling Championships in Alexandria, Egypt, marking another significant milestone in his refereeing career.
The achievement further strengthens Nigeria’s representation among internationally recognised wrestling officials, with Adebiyi listed by UWW as a Category III referee. 
His participation in the course was facilitated by the Nigeria Wrestling Federation as part of the NWF Board’s commitment to developing officials and creating opportunities for promising Nigerian referees to gain international exposure and professional certification.
Adeniyi personally sponsored Adebiyi’s participation in the course, describing the investment as part of the federation’s broader strategy to strengthen the capacity of Nigerian wrestling officials at both national and international levels.
Reacting to the development, the NWF President said the achievement reflected the vision of the present board to invest not only in athletes but also in referees, coaches and other technical officials whose expertise remains crucial to the growth of wrestling.
“This achievement is a clear demonstration of our commitment to building a strong and sustainable wrestling system in Nigeria. Our focus extends beyond athletes to include referees, coaches and other technical officials because their competence is vital to the continued growth of the sport.”
Adeniyi expressed pride in Adebiyi’s progress, noting that the entire Nigerian wrestling family was pleased with his accomplishment.
“We are delighted with Anthony’s progress and proud to see him attain this important international qualification. I encourage him to remain dedicated and continue striving for excellence. The sky is truly his starting point.”
The NWF President also urged young and aspiring referees across the country to embrace opportunities for continuous learning, professional development and international exposure.
“I urge other young and aspiring referees to embrace opportunities for development and prepare themselves to represent Nigeria with distinction,” Adeniyi added.
Adebiyi, in his reaction, expressed appreciation to Adeniyi for sponsoring his participation in the UWW refereeing course, describing the opportunity as a significant step forward in his career.
He thanked the NWF President for investing in the development of technical officials and for creating an enabling environment for Nigerian referees to acquire international qualifications.
Adebiyi pledged to put the knowledge and experience gained from the course to good use and contribute meaningfully to the continued development of wrestling in Nigeria.
He also promised to serve as an inspiration and mentor to younger and aspiring referees, encouraging them to remain committed to their development and pursue excellence in the sport.
The latest qualification adds to Adebiyi’s growing international refereeing profile. UWW’s 2026 official list places him among Nigeria’s Category III referees, alongside other internationally recognised officials. 
The NWF Board’s support for the development of referees underscores the importance of building a comprehensive wrestling ecosystem in which athletes, coaches, referees and other technical officials receive adequate investment and opportunities for growth.
Adebiyi’s new qualification represents both a personal milestone and an opportunity to contribute further to the growth and international development of Nigerian wrestling.
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