Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, was unanimously elected president of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) on Saturday, securing all 14 board votes in a landmark election held at the Gymnasium Hall, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.

Adeniyi, who will serve a four-year term, pledged to revitalize the sport through expanded grassroots reach and stronger sponsorships. “The process was smooth and peaceful, which is the real essence of sports beyond competition—fostering coexistence among diverse races and cultures,” he said, thanking the National Sports Commission (NSC) for a transparent election.

Chris Amkpila retained his seat as vice president, defeating fellow North Central representative Mighty Mike 8–4 in a closely contested vote. Amkpila praised Adeniyi’s leadership potential, calling his emergence “a new dawn for boxing in the country”—a slip that underscored the broader hopes for combat sports under the new administration.

The elections, overseen by NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, were widely commended for their integrity. The newly constituted board includes:

• Secretary General: Oluwasegun Bode Ademisoro
• South South Rep: Daniel Igali
• North East Rep: Alhaji Mustapha Bura
• North West Rep: Alhaji Habib Abubakar Umar
• South East Rep: Clement Ejim
• South West Rep: Akuh Purity
• Technical Rep: Happiness Burutu
• Athletes Rep: Blessing Oborodudu
• NAPHER-SD Rep: Dr. Okou Femedein Timipre
• NAWIS Rep: Mrs. Adejoke Adebusoye
• AFFAN Rep: Mrs. Margaret Porbeni
• Sponsor Rep: Mrs. Amaka Asiofu

Nigeria’s wrestling scene, once a continental powerhouse with Olympic medals in the early 2000s, has struggled in recent years due to funding gaps and limited visibility. Adeniyi’s dual role in customs and sports has raised questions about capacity, but supporters argue his financial acumen could be key to unlocking new partnerships and resources.