National Wrestling Championship Begins In Yenagoa, Beach Wrestling Debuts

By Dianabasi Effiong

The fourth edition of the Gov. Douye Diri National Wrestling Classic has begun in Yenagoa with the introduction of beach wrestling for the first time in a national championship.

According to Promise Okotoko, the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) Media Assistant, the week-long tournament runs from March 25 to April 1, 2026.

The championship is being organised by the Bayelsa State Ministry of Sports Development in collaboration with the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF).

Okotoko also stated that athletes for the championship, which spotlights emerging talents, were drawn from across Nigeria.

Okotoko said that the historic inclusion of beach wrestling — a fast-growing global variant of the sport — marked a major highlight of the championship, with athletes competing on sand in fiercely contested bouts

Team Cross River emerged as one of the standout performers in the new category, recording impressive victories early in the competition.

Deborah Edet Ubana of Cross River opened the action with a notable victory over Blessing Apeh of Rivers State in the women’s 60kg category, setting the tone for an intense day of competition

Cross River further strengthened its dominance as Inah Johnson displayed superior technique and athleticism to overpower his opponent, securing another win for the team.

Other notable performances included: Gabriel Ubana Edet — Gold medal, Men’s 55kg category; Mbasekei Lawrence Ubi — Bronze medal, 57kg category; and Agoro Florence Sunday — Bronze medal, Women’s 49kg category.

The Commissioner for Sports Development, Bayelsa State, Daniel Igali, described the introduction of beach wrestling as a significant step for the sport’s development in Nigeria.

According to Igali, beach wrestling has already been featured in the Youth Olympics and is being considered by the International Wrestling Federation for inclusion in future Olympic Games.

“This is an opportunity for Nigeria to key into a growing global sport and develop athletes that can compete internationally,” he said.

Also, the NWF Vice President, Chris Amkpila, said the importance of the tournament in talent discovery and athlete development.

He said that competitions such as the Governor Douye Diri Wrestling Classic provided a platform for young wrestlers to showcase their abilities and attract national and international scouts.

“We are going to identify the talents here, nurture them, and take them to the international level,” Amkpila said.

Also speaking, Lt.- Col. Okou Femedein Timipre, an international referee and Executive Secretary, International Military Sports Council, described the event as a strategic effort to popularise beach wrestling.

He noted that beach wrestling, though relatively new, held strong potential for global growth.

“This competition is helping to introduce beach wrestling to the public and promote it as a sport that can gain worldwide acceptance,” he said.

The Governor Douye Diri Wrestling Classic has grown steadily since its inception, with Bayelsa State continuing to position itself as a major hub for wrestling development in Nigeria and Africa.