Mapsin Elias Mika has won Nigeria’s first-ever medal at the 2026 Veterans World Wrestling Championships in Amman, Jordan.
Wrestling veteran and former national champion Mapsin Elias Mika etched his name in Nigeria’s wrestling history by winning a bronze medal in the 70kg Greco-Roman wrestling category.
His podium finish represents Nigeria’s maiden medal at the 2026 Veterans World Wrestling Championships and marks a significant achievement for the country’s veteran wrestling community.
The championship, organised by United World Wrestling (UWW), was held in Amman, Jordan, from October 6 to 11, with athletes aged 35 and above competing across different age categories in Greco-Roman and Freestyle wrestling.
President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, congratulated Mika and the Nigerian delegation on the landmark achievement.
In a message issued on behalf of the NWF Board, Adeniyi described the medal as a moment of immense pride for Nigeria and the country’s wrestling community.
Adeniyi said:
“On behalf of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation Board, I congratulate Mapsin Elias Mika and Tunde King on this historic feat. This historic achievement is a moment of immense pride for Nigeria and the entire wrestling community.”
He said the achievement had written Nigeria’s name in the record books of world veterans wrestling and further strengthened the country’s growing reputation on the international wrestling stage.
Adeniyi also recognised the contribution of veteran coach Babatunde James, popularly known as Tunde King, for his role in guiding and supporting Mika during his campaign in Jordan.
According to the NWF president, the dedication displayed by Mika and Tunde King demonstrates the enduring passion and commitment of Nigeria’s wrestling veterans, even after their active competitive careers.
Adeniyi said:
“Their dedication and passion for wrestling, even after retiring from active competition, demonstrate the enduring commitment of our veterans to the development of the sport.”
He added that the historic achievement would help inspire younger wrestlers while strengthening the connection between Nigeria’s former champions and the current generation of athletes.
Adeniyi said the achievement also underscored the important role veterans and former wrestling champions can play in developing the sport.
He noted that the experience and technical knowledge of former athletes could be valuable in mentoring younger wrestlers and helping to build the next generation of Nigerian champions.
The NWF president disclosed that the federation had deliberately incorporated veteran wrestling into its strategic blueprint, with the aim of recognising former athletes and keeping them actively connected to the sport.
Adeniyi assured Nigeria’s wrestling legends and veterans that the current NWF Board would continue to support initiatives aimed at promoting their welfare, participation and contribution to the development of wrestling.
He stressed that the years of service and sacrifices made by former athletes for Nigeria would continue to be recognised and valued.
Mika’s bronze medal in Amman therefore represents more than an individual achievement, as it marks a new chapter for Nigeria’s participation in veterans wrestling and provides another platform for the country’s wrestling community to celebrate its former champions.
