Nigeria’s preparations for the World Wrestling Championship in Astana, Kazakhstan, have entered a crucial phase following the conclusion of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation’s (NWF) intensive open camp programme in Oklahoma, United States.

The camp, sanctioned by NWF President Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, was organised to provide foreign-based Nigerian wrestlers and athletes with valid visas the opportunity to train and compete in a high-level environment ahead of the global championship.

Rather than limiting preparations for routine training sessions, the Oklahoma programme exposed the Nigerian wrestlers to quality opposition through a series of dual meets against athletes from NCAA Division I universities in the United States.

The competitive exposure gave the athletes an opportunity to test their technical and physical readiness against wrestlers competing within one of the world’s strongest collegiate wrestling systems.

Nigeria’s Women’s Wrestling Head Coach, Akuh Purity, described the exercise as an important assessment of the team’s current level, while revealing that the lessons from the camp are already being applied in the team’s ongoing closed-camp programme.

“It was a very valuable experience and gave us an excellent opportunity to assess where we currently stand.”

According to Purity, the dual meets did more than provide competition — they exposed specific areas of the athletes’ performances that needed immediate correction before the World Championships.

“Following the open camp, we transitioned into a closed camp, where we are currently training. We are using this period to specifically address and correct some of the mistakes and weaknesses I identified during the open camp and duals.”

The coach said the wrestlers have responded positively to the demanding programme, with the squad continuing to work intensely as the countdown to Astana gathers momentum.

“The girls are working extremely hard, and we remain committed to making the necessary improvements as we continue our preparation.”

The Oklahoma camp is part of the NWF’s broader strategy to ensure that Nigeria’s wrestlers are adequately prepared for the demands of the World Championships.

The federation’s decision to utilise the United States as one of the team’s preparation bases also reflects the importance being attached to quality opposition, international exposure and competitive readiness.

Purity expressed appreciation to Adeniyi and the NWF leadership for supporting the programme and ensuring that preparations are being strengthened ahead of the global event.

“We appreciate the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, led by Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, for the tremendous support and contribution towards ensuring that the necessary preparations are put in place for the World Championships.”

With the open camp now completed, attention has shifted to the closed phase, where the coaching crew is concentrating on correcting weaknesses and sharpening the athletes’ technical, tactical and physical qualities.

The objective is clear: Nigeria wants to arrive in Astana not merely to participate, but to challenge for honours.

The country’s wrestlers will also carry the added motivation of ending Nigeria’s wait for a World Championship medal. Nigeria’s most recent podium finish at the senior World Championships came in 2023, and the team will be determined to return to the medal table in Kazakhstan.

For Purity and her athletes, the Oklahoma experience has provided valuable information. The challenge now is to convert those lessons into improvements before the opening whistle in Astana.

The open camp has closed, but Nigeria’s real wrestling test is only getting closer — and this time, the target is the World Championship podium.