The Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) has announced the date for national trials in selecting the national team for the 2026 calendar year.
According to a letter issued out on Friday by Oluwasegun Bode Ademisoro, Secretary General of the Federation, the national trials will commence 6th January 2026 at the Indoor Sports Hall, Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State.
The letter noted that the national trials became imperative after the 4th Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Championship which is used to rank national team athletes was postponed indefinitely in honour of Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo who died less than 48hrs to the event.
Stressing that the trials is to ensure fairness in selection, meritocracy, and competitive integrity for the identification of talents to represent Nigeria in the year 2026.
The Secretary General clarified that only four women categories, such as 53kg, 57kg, 62kg, and 67kg, will participate in the trials.
Adding that each weight class will have top 4 wrestlers based on their performances in major tournaments, such as National Championships and National Sports Festival, among others.
The invited wrestlers in each weight class are
53 kg Category:
1. Ogunsanya Christiana – Oyo
2. Ayelon Mary-Bayelsa (BYS)
3. Zannu Mausi – Lagos
4. Ayo Esewi – Edo
57kg Category:
1. Bekefula Tarilayefa – Bayelsa
2. Jumuoke Adekoye – Ondo
3. Onize Umman – Rivers
4. Esosuakpo Faith – Edo
62 kg Category:
1. Esther Kolawole – Rivers
2. Precious Tiebiri – Delta
3. Appah Blessing – Nasarawa
4. Patience Kakan – Bayelsa (BYS)
68 kg Category:
1. Odede Rita – Nasarawa
2. Joseph Deborah – Osun
3. Reuben Hannah – Nigerian Army (NA)
4. Adekuoroye Mercy – Ondo
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Wrestling Federation will notify the general public subsequently on the new date of the 4th Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Championship, which will be used to determine the ranking of other weight classes.
