A board member-elect of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Dr. Okou Femedein Timipre, has urged stakeholders to unite behind the candidacy of the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR, PhD), for the presidency of the NWF.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja before his departure for the United Arab Emirates — where he is set to deliver a lecture at the World Military Sports Science Symposium — Dr. Okou described CG Adeniyi as the best candidate to consolidate the federation’s progress.

“My endorsement of CG Adeniyi is based on expertise, passion, and a deep understanding of wrestling’s dynamics. His leadership will foster a culture of excellence, fairness, and development,” he said.

Dr. Okou, who is also an Associate Professor and an international wrestling referee, called for a comprehensive review of the referees’ career structure in Nigeria, stressing the need for merit-based advancement.

“Referees must be formally embedded in the governance framework. Without trained and trusted officials, the credibility of match outcomes and athlete confidence will remain at risk,” he added.

He also noted that Nigerian referees currently progress through a loosely coordinated domestic system, with individual efforts lacking a standardized national development plan.

Meanwhile, Dr. Okou, a member of the World Military Sports Science Commission, will chair sessions and deliver a keynote at the CISM International Symposium 2025 in the UAE.