Nigeria Hosts First CISM Beach Wrestling Challenge

The inaugural International Military Sports Council (CISM) Military Beach Wrestling Challenge took place from September 8 to 12, 2026, at West Side Beach, Lagos, Nigeria. The event featured military wrestlers from Algeria, Iran, Mali, Nigeria, Russia, and Tunisia, promoting military-to-military engagement through sport.

In the men's competition, wrestlers competed across four weight categories: 70kg, 80kg, 90kg, and +90kg. Russia's Igor Matveen won the 70kg category, followed by Iran's Mehdi Dashi and Algeria's Faysseal Benfredi.

Iran's Aliereza Sedghiyani won the 80kg category, with Algeria's Chawki Doulache in second and Russia's Igor Upkhoev in third. In the 90kg category, Russia's Askhab Saadulladev took first place, while Iran's Ebfan Jafari won the +90kg category.

Russia topped the men's medal table with 85 points, followed by Iran with 70 points and Algeria with 65 points. Nigeria finished fourth with 60 points.

The event also included female athletes from Nigeria, who participated in demonstration matches, leading to Nigeria being crowned the overall female champion with 100 points.