Nigeria has recorded a landmark achievement in international wrestling after veteran wrestler Mapsin Elias Mika won a bronze medal at the 2026 Veterans World Wrestling Championships in Amman, Jordan.

Mika finished third in the 78kg Greco-Roman category, becoming the first Nigerian wrestler to win a medal at the global veterans championship. His result was confirmed in the official competition reporting, which listed Kazakhstan’s Makhmud Orman as gold medallist, Italy’s Antonio Calandra with silver and Mika among the bronze medallists.

The Veterans World Championships, organised by United World Wrestling (UWW), are taking place in Amman from October 6 to 11, with competition across Greco-Roman and Freestyle wrestling.

Mika’s achievement has been welcomed by the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, whose president, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, congratulated the wrestler and the Nigerian delegation on the historic result.

Adeniyi described the medal as an important moment for Nigerian wrestling, saying the performance had placed the country in the record books of the global veterans competition.

The NWF president also recognised veteran coach Babatunde James, popularly known as Tunde King, for his contribution to Mika’s campaign in Jordan.

According to Adeniyi, the achievement highlights the passion and commitment of wrestlers who continue to contribute to the sport even after their active competitive years.

He further stressed that former athletes and wrestling veterans have an important role to play in developing the next generation through their experience, technical knowledge and mentorship.

The NWF president said the federation had made veteran wrestling part of its strategic plans as part of efforts to keep former athletes connected to the sport and recognise their contributions over the years.

He also assured Nigeria’s wrestling veterans and legends that the federation would continue supporting initiatives aimed at improving their participation and welfare.

Mika’s performance adds another notable achievement to Nigeria’s wrestling record and provides a boost for the country’s veteran athletes competing on the international stage.

With the Veterans World Championships still running until October 11, Nigeria’s historic bronze has already given the country a reason to celebrate in Amman.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia