Nigeria's Mapsin Elias Mika Wins Historic Wrestling Medal

Nigeria secured its first medal at the Veterans World Wrestling Championships held from October 6 to 11, 2026, in Amman, Jordan. Mapsin Elias Mika, a wrestling veteran and former national champion, won a bronze medal in the 70kg Greco-Roman wrestling category, marking a historic achievement for Nigerian wrestling.

Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), congratulated Team Nigeria on this milestone, emphasizing the importance of the achievement for the country's reputation in international wrestling. Adeniyi also acknowledged the contributions of veteran coach Babatunde James, known as Tunde King, for his guidance during Mika's campaign.

He stated that the medal not only writes Nigeria's name in the record books but also highlights the role of veterans in inspiring younger generations. The NWF under Adeniyi's leadership aims to incorporate veteran wrestling into its strategic plans, ensuring the continued involvement and recognition of former athletes in the sport.