Adeniyi Emerges Nigeria Wrestling Federation President, Vows to Lead with Reform and Integrity
In a move that underscores his growing influence in Nigeria’s sports development landscape, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has been elected President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) a position many believe will redefine the administration of the sport in the country.
The election, which took place 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 (NSC). The event drew praise from athletes, coaches, and administrators across the nation, who hailed the outcome as “a breath of fresh air” for Nigeria’s wrestling scene.
Before assuming this new mantle, CGC Adeniyi had already built a solid reputation in sports leadership through the Nigeria Customs Sports Unit, which, under his watch, evolved into one of the nation’s most successful sports institutions nurturing Olympians, national champions, and inspiring young talents across multiple disciplines.
In his acceptance remarks, Adeniyi lauded the ongoing reforms spearheaded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in the sports sector, noting that the focus on merit, transparency, and systems reform is beginning to yield results.
“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 in place, the right processes, and the right systems to drive the electoral process. I am quite satisfied, and I feel this is an environment where I can work and thrive,” he said.
Adeniyi pledged to align the Federation’s strategic direction with national reform efforts, emphasizing structure, integrity, innovation, and athlete-centered policies as the cornerstones of his administration.
He expressed determination to raise the bar of professionalism in the sport while creating an enabling environment for wrestlers to excel both locally and internationally.
Stakeholders within the wrestling community have expressed confidence that his leadership will inject fresh energy and credibility into the Federation. Many pointed to his track record of accountability, inclusiveness, and team-oriented leadership as proof that the sport is set for a transformative era.
As Adeniyi takes the helm, expectations are high that his reform-driven leadership will not only restore confidence in the Federation’s governance but also reposition Nigerian wrestling for greater global recognition.