‎By Teddy Nwanunobi

‎Nigerian wrestlers have begun a closed-door camping ahead of the World Wrestling Championships, which will hold in Astana, Kazakhstan, from October 24 to November 1.

‎

‎The Chairman of the Technical Committee of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Akuh Purity, has commended the federation’s President, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for approving the programme.

‎

‎Purity, who is also head coach of the Nigerian women’s wrestling team, said the decision showed the federation’s commitment to giving the athletes the preparation and support they need to compete effectively at the global event.

‎

‎According to the NWF statement, the camp is being held at two venues in Bayelsa and Ondo states, and is expected to allow the wrestlers to intensify their training and sharpen their technical and tactical preparations.

‎

‎Purity said the closed-door arrangement would help athletes and coaches maintain maximum concentration as they work towards peak performance.

‎

‎He praised Adeniyi for his keen interest in the development of wrestling and for prioritising the welfare of Team Nigeria’s athletes ahead of major international competitions.

‎

‎Purity stressed that adequate preparation remains critical at the highest level.

‎

‎“The camping exercise would further strengthen the wrestlers physically, technically and mentally,” he said.

‎

‎He also acknowledged the support given to foreign-based Nigerian wrestlers, who have already benefited from pre-tournament camping and other preparatory arrangements.

‎

‎“Such initiatives demonstrate Adeniyi’s commitment to ensuring that Nigerian wrestlers, both home-based and foreign-based, receive the necessary support to compete on the international stage,” he said.

‎

‎The 2026 World Wrestling Championships will bring together the world’s leading wrestlers, with Team Nigeria expected to compete across different registered weight categories.