Power Mike International Promotions was the first wrestling organization in Nigeria formed 1976 by Nigeria Professional Wrestler, Michael Okpala (Power Mike) after his retirement from active wrestling same year. The organization was formed to train energetic young people aspiring to become professional wrestlers and to organize Professional wrestling shows. Also Nigeria Wrestling Board of Control was formed in 1970s although not incorporated then. Later on, Power Mike International Promotions was incorporated with Registration Number 2039348 on 19th Sept. 2007 four years after the passing of Power Mike in 2004.
Nigeria (Pro) Wrestling Federation (N.W.F), incorporated with Corporate Affairs Commission on 5th Jun 1997 has been in existence before Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) when there was need to separate professional wrestling from amateur wrestling.
The wrestling federation have had presidents such as:
1. Sunday Oluwayemi (NWF: 1981 - 2006):
"Sunny Wonder" Sunday Oluwayemi is former president of Nigeria (Pro) Wrestling Federation (NWF), the former Nigeria National Light Heavyweight Champion and AWC African Light Heavyweight champion now based in Dallas, Texas in USA.
2. Simon O. Umeh (NWF: 2008 - 2012): hailing from Utuh Utuh, Nnewi South LGA, Nnewi in Anambra State. He had made significant contribution in Professional wrestling in Nigeria.
3. Daniel Igali became the President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) in 2013. He won his first four-year mandate that year and was later re-elected in 2017 after vote of confidence was passed on him. Professional wrestling officially had it's own president separated from amateur wrestling.
4. Prince H.O Mohammed and Udoagwa MC Original as the Secretary (NWF: 2012 - 2015 ??)
Martin Chukwulobe Udoagwa (MC Original)
5. Chief John O. Uche (NWF: 19th June 2020 - till date)
Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) was formed as the governing body for allied wrestling communities in Nigeria which was founded during the regime of President Alhaji Shehu Shagari. It was inaugurated on September 27, 1981. The federation was established to organize and administer amateur wrestling in Nigeria, particularly through competitions at national and international levels.
In 1990, National Wrestling Alliance of Nigeria was formed as wrestling industry expands in Nigeria.
Leadership:
a. Daniel Igali
Daniel Igali is a name synonymous with excellence in wrestling, perseverance, and dedication. Born in Nigeria and later becoming a Canadian citizen, Igali's journey to Olympic gold is a testament to his hard work and passion for the sport. Born on February 3, 1974, in Eniwari, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, he had amassed handful of medals from Africa to Canada to other parts of the world.
Daniel Igali became the president of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) in 2013. He was later re-elected in 2017.
Nigeria Wrestling Board of Control (NWB of C) was officially incorporated with Registration Number 7042. It was registered on 28 Oct 1992. Although Nigeria Wrestling Board of Control has been existence in 1970s which oversees technicalities and standardization in amateur and professional wrestling shows before the formation of wrestling federation in 1981.
Later on, Nigerian Ultimate Pro-Wrestlers Federation/AWO was formed under the auspices of the Nigerian Wrestling Board of Control (NWB of C).
Leadership:
a. Chairman of Nigeria Wrestling Board of Control (NWB of C) is His Royal Majesty Nnamdi Ofoegbu. He's traditional ruler of Umudiama in Umuahia North of Abia state.
His Royal Majesty Nnamdi Ofoegbub. Ralph Nwafor later becomes the Secretary-General of the Nigerian Wrestling Board of Control (NWB of C). He hails from Umuahia, Abia state.
Raphael NwaforVeteran Wrestlers Association of Nigeria (VWAN) was formed by Chief Morris Atula, born 1961. The association oversees the welfare of wrestling veterans in Nigeria although as a subdivision of Nigeria (Pro) Wrestling Federation. With his ring name as ''The Golden Warrior'' Morris Atula, was former world light heavy weight pro wrestling champion.
Wrestling Promotion in Nigeria:
Wrestling Promotion in Nigeria began during the active days of Nigeria professional wrestler, Power Mike, after retiring from wrestling, he formed Power Mike International Promotions in 1976 which became active till 1997. Also there are other wrestling promotions outfits formed later years on such as: Pro Wrestling Africa (PWA) founded 2015, TBT Promotions founded 2018, Wrestlemap founded 2020, and comic wrestling promoter - Onu Ndi Aguata started 2023 ??.
Wrestling promoting outfits in Nigeria and it's founder:
1. Power Mike International Promotions: Power Mike (1976 - 1997)
2. Pro Wrestling Africa (PWA): Olusesan Olukoya (February 4th 2015 - till date)
3. TBT Promotions C/O Throwback Enterprises: Fidelis K. Chiekezie (January 15th 2018 - till date).
4. Wrestlemap:
Bryan Anderson (July 4th 2020 - till date)
5. Onu Ndi Aguata:
Comic wrestling promoter: Chimezie Harrison Okeke (2023 ?? - till date)
Credit: Throwback Times Nigeria
