By Folusho Alade
Armwrestling is emerging as a new platform to empower Nigerian youth and uncover untapped sporting potentials, this according to Honourable Adeoye Adeyinka , Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on grassroot sports development.
Speaking to sports journalists at the closing ceremony of the 14th African Armwrestling Championship & 7th Para Armwrestling Championship on Saturday in Abuja, Adeyinka emphasized that the sport once considered obscure and unknown is now offering exciting opportunities for young athletes across the country.
Adeyinka also known as Zulu who doubles as the chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 2025 African Armwrestling Championship said the country has an abundance of God given talents and the championships has helped Nigeria discover these talents who can compete at the World stage and win laurels even at the World Cup.
In his words: “This championship has unearthed new talents, and I believe Nigeria is ready to compete and win at the World Cup level”, Adeyinka said.
While crediting the success of the tournament to the unwavering support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who according to him the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’, is revitalizing the entire Nigerian sports ecosystem.
“This is the first time Nigeria is proudly hosting an international armwrestling championship, and it has been a resounding success. It proves that so-called lesser-known sports like armwrestling can provide real opportunities for our youth,” he stated.
While extending profound appreciation to the African Armwrestling Federation for granting Nigeria the hosting rights, Adeyinka praised the efforts of the media for the awareness and buzz created around the event and the sport; Armwrestling in particular.
“We’re grateful to the African Armwrestling Federation for the trust they placed in us. And we deeply appreciate the role the media has played in putting armwrestling on the map in Nigeria,” Zulu said.
He also acknowledged the role the Federal government played in the success of the event, the LOC chairman thanked the National Sports Commission and its leadership and more importantly President Bola Tinubu for the support the event received despite the plenty of challenges.
“Despite the challenges we encountered, the firm support from Mr. President helped us overcome them. His commitment was consistent, intentional, and transformative,” Zulu emphasized.
The event had in attendance about 22 countries from across the continent competition in various categories as well as the Para Armwrestling.
Accra, the Capital of Ghana will be host to the next edition.
