NIGERIAN ARMED FORCES ENDS A THREE DAY BEACH WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIP AHEAD OF THE WORLD MILITARY BEACH WRESTLING IN SEPTEMBER IN LAGOS

NIGERIAN ARMED FORCES ENDS A THREE DAY BEACH WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIP AHEAD OF THE WORLD MILITARY BEACH WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIP IN SEPTEMBER, IN LAGOS:

The Nigerian Armed Forces have renewed their commitment to investing in Sports development as it strengthens leadership, promotes discipline, encourages healthy competitions and also fosters unity among the personnel beyond other military benefits.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede stated this in his message to the closing ceremony of the three days Armed Forces Beach Wrestling Competition, 2026 held in Lagos.
General Oluyede explained that the Nigerian Armed Forces have adopted beach wrestling as part of their physical training and inter – Service competition.
“The beach wrestling challenge has a lot of positive benefits and some of the benefits are, physical fitness, combat readiness, discipline and deep spirits morale motivations and international representation as well as talents development”.
He further explained that the combat competition was a way of keeping the members of the Nigerian Armed Forces fit and it goes a long way in maintaining better alertness, agility and morale boosting.
The Army Chief however noted that the three days event, had witnessed an exceptional display of strength, discipline, courage, resilience and sportsmanship while it had also showcased the impressive talents of the Military Athletes hence his affirmation of the vital role of Sports, in building a professionally, physically fit and combat ready Armed Forces.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria recognise Sports as a strategic tool for enhancing Operational readiness and and I am satisfied over the qualities displayed at this event which includes but not limited to, mental toughness agility endurance, determination and teamwork which are the same qualities required from the Military Personnel, in the execution of their constitutional responsibilities”.
He noted that competition such as beach wrestling, contribute directly to improving the fighting spirit, morale and operational readiness of the Personnel.
He therefore congratulated every athlete who participated in the Championship and to the Medalists, he said, their achievements was a testament of their dedication and hard work but to those who did not finish well, he however encouraged them to remain committed as every competition offers an opportunity to learn more, improve and prepare for greater accomplishments.
He explained that, their participation alone, in the competition, reflected the spirit of service and excellence for the Armed Forces.
“The Championship serves as a critical test event in the Armed Forces in preparation for the next season’s World Military Beach Wrestling Competition billed for Lagos, in September and hosting the World Military Athletes, is both, a great honour and a significant responsibility, so I am satisfied over the level of professionalism demonstrated by the Local Organising Committee and the Support Team, during the Competition”.
The Chief of Defence Staff however commended the Service Chiefs, the Nigerian Wrestling Federation and all other Agencies, for their unwavering support and commitment to Military Sports and for the success of the competition.
In an interview, the overall winner in Men’s categories, Tochukwu Okeke of the Nigerian Army, expressed gratitude to God for beating the other competitors and hopes to dominate in the World Military Beach Wrestling Competition coming up, in Lagos.
Also speaking in the same vein, the winner in the Women’s category, Danjuma A.A, thanked God for winning for the first attempt in wrestling and promised to wake a career, out of wrestling.
The Director of Sports, Defence Headquarters presented
most of the medals, trophies and the cash prizes to the winners and the Teams.
Very senior Officers and Representatives of the Chiefs of Naval, Army and Air Staff, graced the occasion while the FOC, West, Air Officer, Logistics Command, Sports Officials and the traditional rulers in Ogun -Ajah host community, witnessed the closing ceremony of the competition.

– JOHN OBOT, FRCN.