The Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) has fixed January 6, 2026, for national trials to select wrestlers who will represent the country in international competitions during the 2026 calendar year.
In a letter released made available to newsmen in Yenagoa, the Secretary General of the Federation, Mr. Oluwasegun Bode Ademisoro, stated that the trials will take place at the Indoor Sports Hall of Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State.
He said, the decision follows the indefinite postponement of the 4th Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Championship, which was originally scheduled as the primary event for ranking national team athletes.
The championship was called off in honour of the late Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away less than 48 hours before the event.
Mr. Ademisoro emphasised that the trials are aimed at ensuring fairness, meritocracy, and competitive integrity in talent identification for Nigeria’s 2026 wrestling engagements.
The trials will focus exclusively on four women’s weight categories: 53kg, 57kg, 62kg, and 67kg (noted as 68kg in the invitation list).
For each category, the top four wrestlers selected based on their performances in major tournaments such as National Championships and the National Sports Festival have been invited to compete.
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Invited Wrestlers:
53kg Category
Ogunsanya Christiana (Oyo)
Ayelon Mary (Bayelsa)
Zannu Mausi (Lagos)
Ayo Esewi (Edo)
57kg Category
Bekefula Tarilayefa (Bayelsa)
Jumuoke Adekoye (Ondo)
Onize Umman (Rivers)
Esosuakpo Faith (Edo)
62kg Category
Esther Kolawole (Rivers)
Precious Tiebiri (Delta)
Appah Blessing (Nasarawa)
Patience Kakan (Bayelsa)
67kg Category
Odede Rita (Nasarawa)
Joseph Deborah (Osun)
Reuben Hannah (Nigerian Army)
Adekuoroye Mercy (Ondo)
The NWF stated that a new date for the postponed 4th Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Championship will be announced later.
The rescheduled event will serve as the ranking platform for wrestlers in the remaining weight classes.
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