President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Honourable Daniel Igali, has commended the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for hosting the International Military Sports Council (CISM) Training Programme for coaches, officials, and wrestlers.
Igali, alongside NWF Vice President Chris Amkpila and Secretary General Oluwasegun Bode Ademisoro, met with CISM Wrestling Sports Committee President, Col Naser Hassani, and an Iranian delegation to reaffirm the strong relationship between Nigeria and Iran.
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Expressing gratitude, Igali acknowledged Iran’s support for his successful bid to become a member of the United World Wrestling (UWW) Bureau, where he will serve a six-year term.
“I deeply appreciate the strong ties we share with Iran. Your support was instrumental in my journey to becoming a UWW Bureau member,” Igali stated.
He further extended his appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff for approving the training programme and emphasized the importance of recruiting young talents into the Nigerian Armed Forces while providing them with adequate training.
Highlighting the achievements of Hannah Reuben, an Olympian, World Military Gold Medalist, Commonwealth and African Champion, and multiple-time National Champion, Igali stressed the need for identified athletes to be granted leave to train and compete. He cited Reuben’s success as proof of the impact of intensive training, which can last up to six hours per day.
Recognizing Iran as a dominant force in wrestling, Igali urged the Iranian delegation to collaborate with national federations beyond military engagement to enhance the sport’s development.
The NWF President also pledged the federation’s support for the Nigerian military’s bid to host the 2026 World Military Beach Wrestling Championship.
The meeting, held at the Armed Forces Officers’ Mess in Asokoro, Abuja, concluded with an exchange of souvenirs. Meanwhile, the week-long intensive CISM Wrestling Training Programme successfully wrapped up on Tuesday in Abuja.
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