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.

Nigerian footballers continued to make their mark across Europe over the weekend, with goals, assists and impressive individual performances headlining another busy round of club action.

Samuel Chukwueze made an immediate impact off the bench for AC Milan, providing the assist for Alphadjo Cisse’s 68th-minute goal against Juventus. Chukwueze featured for 30 minutes before Milan conceded a dramatic 90+2-minute equaliser through Gatti as the encounter ended in a draw.

Read Also: Lagos State Football Coaches Chairman David Dosu Picks Acquisition Of Office Complex As His First Target

Victor Osimhen found the net for the sixth time this season for Galatasaray in their away Super Lig victory over Basaksehir. However, the Nigerian striker was forced off with an injury in the first half. Early reports suggest he could be sidelined for at least a month, although the full extent of the injury remains to be confirmed.

At Trabzonspor, Paul Onuachu enjoyed a productive but injury-hit outing, scoring twice before being forced to leave the pitch. The striker featured for 44 minutes, opening the scoring in the fifth minute before completing his brace in the 22nd minute. Chibuike Nwaiwu also impressed as Trabzonspor secured a big home victory over Genclerbirligi.

Akor Adams played 70 minutes for Venezia in their 3-2 Serie A defeat away to Frosinone, creating one clear chance as his side suffered another setback.

In the Women’s Super League, Chiamaka Nnadozie put in a solid performance in goal for Brighton, but could not prevent a 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal, with the decisive goal arriving inside the opening 10 minutes.

Rasheedat Ajibade started the new PSG Feminine league campaign in style, scoring after just three minutes in a 2-0 away victory over RC Lens. The Super Falcons captain played all 90 minutes, created four chances and was assisted by compatriot Jennifer Echegini, who featured for 62 minutes.

Tolu Arokodare continued his impressive scoring run, finding the net for the fourth consecutive game despite Ajax suffering a 3-1 home defeat to PSV.

In Scotland, Emmanuel Fernandez delivered a strong defensive display for Rangers, winning nine duels and making two tackles in 89 minutes during a narrow league victory over Motherwell.

Elsewhere, Frank Onyeka and Taiwo Awoniyi featured for Coventry City in their 1-0 Premier League defeat to Manchester City.

In the Czech Republic, Emmanuel Ayaosi recorded a goal and an assist in Slavia Praha’s comfortable win over Zbrojovka Brno, while Samuel Isife also registered an assist.

In Turkey, Tosin Kehinde delivered one of the weekend’s standout displays, scoring twice and providing an assist as Bandırmaspor secured a big victory over Boluspor.