Nigeria has successfully concluded an inaugural International Military Sports Council, CISM, World Military Beach Wrestling Championship at West Side Beach, Lagos.
The event brought military athletes from several countries together in Lagos, for intense competition, discipline and sportsmanship, while also providing a platform for military-to-military engagement. CISM’s wider mission is built around its famous principle, “Friendship Through Sports.”
The competition delivered several standout performances. In the men’s 70kg category, Russia’s Matveen Igor took gold after defeating Iran’s Mehdi Dashi, who earned silver. Algeria’s Benfredi Faysseal secured bronze, while Nigeria’s Keku Emmanuel finished in fourth place.
In the 80-kg class, Aliereza Sedghiyani of Iran emerged the champion, while Algeria’s Doulache Chawki took the silver medal. The results reflected the strong international character at the championship, with athletes competing fiercely for national honour.
However, Nigeria dominated the female competition, emerging overall female champions with 100 points and sweeping all the available gold medals. Russia, Iran, Algeria, Tunisia and Mali finished without points in the female medal table.
The outstanding performance by Nigeria’s female military athletes provided a powerful demonstration of the country’s growing strength in women’s military sports and became one of the defining moments of the championship.
The Nigerian success also gave greater significance to the federal government’s continued support for the Armed Forces and their sporting programmes.
At the closing ceremony, the Commandant of the Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Air Vice Marshal Nnaemeka Ignatius Ilo, delivered remarks on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede.
The CDS congratulated all participating athletes and commended coaches, referees, judges, technical officials, medical teams and support personnel for ensuring a safe and successful championship.
General Oluyede stressed that military sport is about much more than medals. He described it as a powerful instrument for building character, strengthening professional relationships and promoting friendship among nations.
He also expressed appreciation to CISM for entrusting Nigeria with the prestigious championship and thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for the operational and welfare needs of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The CDS further acknowledged the support of the Lagos State Government and the people of Lagos for their hospitality to international delegations.
“For Nigeria, the successful championship has therefore delivered a double achievement of sporting glory and military diplomacy,” he said.
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