The president of the Nigerian Armwrestling Federation, Samuel Olatunji, has called on non-governmental organisations to support the federation’s activities for 2026.

Mr Olatunji made the appeal on Friday in Abuja. He said inadequate funding remained a major challenge affecting the federation’s programmes.

“We need the support of private organisations, philanthropists, wealthy individuals and sports lovers to sustain our activities. Financial support is the bedrock of organising any sporting event,” he said.

The president said the federation had commenced its programmes for the year, including the National Armwrestling Championship for military, paramilitary and civilian participants.

He described the competition, which featured 20 teams, as successful.

“It was an impressive event, and I am satisfied with the outcome,” he said.

Mr Olatunji said the federation also organised the National Armwrestling Competition in Lagos two weeks ago.

According to him, the competition provided an opportunity to identify talented athletes for international engagements.

“The competition was organised to discover athletes for the All-Africa Games in Accra later this year and the African Armwrestling Championship in Cairo, Egypt, next year,” he said.

He added that more than 20 states and institutions participated in the championship, tagged ‘Lagos Open 2026’.

The World Champions Armwrestling Club of Lagos emerged as the overall winner with 19 gold, 15 silver and four bronze medals after garnering 38 points.

The Oyo State Armwrestling Team placed second with 10 gold, six silver and two bronze medals, while the Delta State Armwrestling Team came third with 10 gold, five silver and six bronze medals.

(NAN)