The immediate past President of Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Honourable Daniel Igali, has penned a hearty reflection on his journey as leader of the sport while expressing faith in the leadership of the new President, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, PhD.
Igali, in a lengthy post on his Facebook page, reads, “Twelve years. Countless memories. One unending love – wrestling.”
“There comes a time in every journey when the whistle fades, the lights dim, and the mat – once a battlefield becomes a place of quiet reflection.
Yesterday, I arrived at that moment. After twelve fulfilling years as President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, I laid down the mantle, having served the maximum tenure under the National Sports Commission’s guidelines.”
“It has been a journey of faith, fire, and fulfilment. From my earliest days as a young wrestler chasing dreams across dusty mats and ultimately winning world and Olympic titles, to my years as coach, technical adviser, and finally, president – wrestling has given me everything. It has been my teacher, my mirror, and my home.”
“In the spirit of continuity, the Federation and stakeholders have chosen Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, a man of honour, humility, and discipline, as my successor. Having served faithfully as a board member, he understands both the heart and the heritage of our sport. I have no doubt he will carry the torch even higher.”
“Looking back, I am filled with gratitude.
To Dr. Amos Adamu and Chief Patrick Ekeji, who not only recruited me to serve as the Technical Adviser of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation but also helped facilitate my resettlement from Canada – your faith and guidance set the foundation for everything that followed.
To Chief Timipre Sylva, who as Governor of Bayelsa State birthed the National Wrestling Classics in 2009 – your foresight remains a lasting milestone in Nigerian wrestling. And to former Governor Seriake Dickson, whose support gave life to my earliest bid for this office, and to Governor Douye Diri, whose unwavering faith in my personal and collective growth of Wrestling has anchored the Federation these past five years – I remain profoundly grateful.”
“To Ministers Bolaji Abdullahi, Solomon Dalung, and Sunday Dare, your partnership and trust gave meaning to our work.
To the Directors of FEAD, whose quiet professionalism helped us navigate policies and plans, and to my fellow Federation Presidents, whose friendships and rivalries alike sharpened our resolve – I salute you all.”
“To our sponsors and institutional supporters – the Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers State Governments, the Nigeria Customs Service under CG Bashir Adeniyi, the National Sports Commission, the Nigeria Olympic Committee and the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the leadership of Gen. Chris Musa (rtd.), immediate past Chief of Defence Staff – your belief in our mission and investment in wrestling’s growth kept the vision alive.”
“Together, we built a legacy:
🏅 Over 150 African Championships and African Games gold medals
🏅 9 Commonwealth Games gold medals
🏅 5 World Championship medals
🏅 1 Olympic silver medal
Yet the real triumph lies not in medals or numbers, but in the human spirit – in the wrestlers who found purpose, the coaches who found pride, and the nation that rediscovered its strength through sport.
If, in the course of service, I ever fell short in word, in action, or in understanding, I ask for your forgiveness. Leadership is a human endeavour – imperfect, yet always driven by love for the sport and the country we all hold dear.”
“As I hand over the mantle to CG Bashir Adeniyi, I do so with peace and gratitude. The sun may have set on this phase of my stewardship, but I remain here, a member of the UWW Bureau, ready to support, to guide, to advise – as wrestling continues its forward march.”
“Because for me, the mat is not merely where I was most tested; it is where I learned, where I grew, and where I found my life’s meaning.”
And as Chinua Achebe so timelessly wrote, “Beyond the war and the warrior, only the story remains.”
“This is our story – of grit, grace, and glory.
A story written in sweat and spirit, across twelve unforgettable years, in the colours of our beloved Nigeria.”
“The mat will always remain home. For country. For wrestling.” Forever. 🇳🇬🤼♂️
