Customs Chief Adewale Adeniyi Elected President of Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Promises Reform-Driven Leadership
Abuja, Nigeria – The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has been elected President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), marking a new chapter for the sport under a leader known for integrity, discipline, and organizational excellence.
The election, held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Gymnasium Hall, Package B, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, was conducted under the supervision of the National Sports Commission. It drew participation from athletes, coaches, and sports administrators, many of whom hailed the outcome as a step toward revitalizing Nigerian wrestling.
Before his emergence as NWF President, Adeniyi had established a strong reputation in sports administration through his stewardship of the Nigeria Customs Service Sports Unit, which has produced several national and international champions, including Olympians. His tenure has been widely commended for its focus on talent development, discipline, and institutional support for athletes.
Speaking shortly after his election, Adeniyi expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him and lauded ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s sports sector under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“I’m beginning to see the dividends of the reforms that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is putting into the sports sector — putting the right people, the right processes, and the right systems in place to drive growth. I am quite satisfied and feel this is an environment where I can work and thrive,” he said.
He pledged to align the Federation’s strategic direction with national sports reform priorities, emphasizing structure, transparency, athlete welfare, and sustainable development as key focus areas of his leadership.
“Our goal is to build an institution that inspires excellence and integrity. We will ensure that our athletes receive the structure and support they need to compete at the highest level,” Adeniyi added.
Stakeholders have expressed confidence that Adeniyi’s reform-minded leadership and collaborative approach will usher in a new era of professionalism and growth for the sport. His reputation for teamwork, accountability, and inclusiveness, they say, positions him to deliver lasting transformation within the wrestling community.
Under his leadership, the Nigeria Wrestling Federation is expected to prioritize athlete development programs, infrastructure enhancement, and international partnerships aimed at returning Nigeria to global wrestling prominence.
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