The Comptroller-General of Customs and President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Adewale Adeniyi, has urged Nigeria’s wrestlers to fly the nation’s flag high and return with medals at the African Wrestling Championships in Alexandria, Egypt, scheduled for May 2026.

Adeniyi gave the charge on Tuesday, 28 April 2026, while hosting athletes, coaches and officials of the federation at the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters, Maitama, Abuja, ahead of their departure for the continental tournament.

Addressing the team, he described their qualification as both an honour and a weighty responsibility.

“I congratulate you all for earning this opportunity. Many others would wish to be in your position. Representing Nigeria at a continental championship comes with a serious obligation,” he said.

He reminded the wrestlers that they were no longer competing as representatives of their states but as ambassadors of the country.

“You are no longer representing Bayelsa, Ondo, Lagos or any other state. You are now ambassadors of the green-white-green, and that is a responsibility we value deeply,” Adeniyi stated.

He urged them to stay motivated by the prospect of hearing the national anthem at medal ceremonies, charging them to make a firm commitment to return with honours.

“Let that thought drive you from the moment you arrive in Egypt. Make a personal commitment that you will return on that aircraft with medals,” he added.

According to him, success at the championship would depend on discipline, strategy, commitment and determination, noting that the technical crew had adequately prepared the team during camping.