4 high Nigerian wrestlers has been denied visas regardless of fulfilling all accreditation and journey necessities forward of the 2025 World Wrestling Championships in Zagreb, Croatia.
The choice by the Croatian authorities has raised issues about equity, inclusivity, and the integrity of worldwide sports activities.
The affected athletes are Genesis Miessinne Mercy, Ogunsanya Tolulope Christianah, Ojo Damola Hannah, and Izolo Stephen Simon.
All 4 are extremely achieved wrestlers, boasting a number of African titles and, in some circumstances, Olympic expertise.
Their absence could be an enormous blow to Nigeria’s possibilities on the Championships, scheduled for September 13–21, 2025.
Croatian authorities reportedly refused the visas on the grounds of “doubts” over the wrestlers’ intention to return to Nigeria.
Nevertheless, the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) has described the reasoning as unjust and misplaced.
Igali confused that the athletes are formally accredited by United World Wrestling (UWW) and are respectable representatives of their nation.
Reacting to the setback, NWF President, Hon. Baraladei Daniel Igali, has written on to the UWW President, looking for pressing intervention to resolve the matter.
Igali’s letter warned that such discriminatory visa practices threat undermining the rules of universality and merit-based participation that international sports activities are constructed on.
With Nigeria’s contingent scheduled to depart this weekend, the clock is ticking for a decision.
The UWW President has been urged to step in instantly with Croatian authorities to safe the visas and make sure the athletes will not be denied their rightful place on the international stage.
