The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has been elected as the new President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), following a unanimous vote by all 14 board members.
Throwback Times Nigeria gathered that the election took place at the Gymnasium Hall of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, where Adeniyi emerged unopposed, securing all available votes to lead the federation for the next four years.
Adeniyi’s emergence is widely viewed as a major boost for the administrative and developmental direction of wrestling in Nigeria. His proven track record in public service, strategic leadership, and institutional reform is expected to strengthen the operations, talent development pathways, and sponsorship appeal of the federation.
In a related outcome, Chris Amkpila, the North Central representative, was re-elected as Vice President, reaffirming the board’s confidence in continuity and experienced leadership.
Speaking after the election, Adeniyi thanked the board for the trust placed in him to lead one of Nigeria’s most respected and culturally significant sports.
“I am sincerely grateful for this confidence and for a smooth, transparent election process. Beyond competition, sports—especially wrestling—promote unity, discipline, and peaceful coexistence. I am committed to expanding the reach of wrestling and creating more opportunities for athletes, fans, and stakeholders nationwide.”
The newly elected NWF President pledged to focus on:
a. Strengthening grassroots talent development
b. Attracting corporate sponsorships
c. Enhancing athlete welfare and training standards
d. Promoting wrestling across all geopolitical zones
In this sequel, Nigeria Professional Wrestling Federation (NPWF), sister wrestling Federation via a statement signed by the the Southeast and Southern Nigeria Coordinator, Fidelis Kene Chiekezie commended the development and noted that Customs Boss Bashir Adewale Adeniyi is the right candidate for this owing to the fact that Adeniyi's passion towards wrestling will fast track rebranding, reformation and repositioning of both amateur and professional wrestling in Nigeria.
Wrestling remains one of Nigeria’s oldest indigenous sporting traditions, with widespread cultural roots and strong youth participation. Adeniyi’s presidency is expected to help modernize the sport while maintaining its cultural identity and national pride.
Source: Throwback Times Nigeria
