Chiemelie Ezeobi
Nigeria has successfully hosted the inaugural International Military Sports Council (CISM) Military Beach Wrestling Challenge, bringing together military wrestlers from Algeria, Iran, Mali, Nigeria, Russia and Tunisia from September 8 to 12, 2026, at West Side Beach, Lagos.
The competition provided an opportunity for military athletes and delegations from Africa, Asia and Europe to compete while strengthening relations between their Armed Forces through sport, in line with CISM’s motto, “Friendship through Sport.”
The event combined sporting competition with military-to-military engagement and technical development.
The men’s programme featured competitions across four weight categories — 70kg, 80kg, 90kg and +90kg — with Russia and Iran emerging as the leading nations.
In the 70kg category, Russia’s Igor Matveen secured the title ahead of Iran’s Mehdi Dashi, while Algeria’s Faysseal Benfredi completed the top three. Nigeria’s Emmanuel Keku finished fourth.
The 80kg competition saw Iran take its first victory of the Challenge through Aliereza Sedghiyani. Algeria’s Chawki Doulache claimed second place, ahead of Russia’s Igor Upkhoev, while Nigeria’s Tobechukwu U. finished fourth.
Russia returned to the top of the standings in the 90kg category, where Askhab Saadulladev took first place. Tunisia’s Issa Rhimi earned second place, with Algeria’s Ramzi Aidi taking third and Nigeria’s Tobechukwu O. fourth.
The final men’s title, in the +90kg category, went to Iran’s Ebfan Jafari, who finished ahead of Russia’s Igor Ovsiannisov. Algeria secured another podium finish through Amine Bendjelloui, while Nigeria’s Hamza S. took fourth place.
At the conclusion of the men’s competition, Russia occupied first position in the men’s medal table with 85 points, following its two individual victories and other podium performances. Iran finished second with 70 points, while Algeria placed third with 65 points.
Host nation Nigeria followed in fourth position with 60 points, ahead of Tunisia, fifth with 20 points, and Mali, sixth.
The results showed Russia and Iran sharing the four individual men’s titles, while Algeria placed an athlete among the top three in each of the four men’s categories.
Female participation was also included in the programme of the first CISM Military Beach Wrestling Challenge, with four female athletes taking part, all representing host nation Nigeria.
The four Nigerian female athletes participated in demonstration matches. As no female athletes from other nations were entered, they were awarded first place in their respective weight categories.
Nigeria therefore emerged as the overall female champion with 100 points, while Russia, Iran, Algeria, Tunisia and Mali finished without points in the female medal table.
The inclusion of female athletes provided an initial platform for women’s participation, with the prospect of broader international representation at future CISM Beach Wrestling competitions.
Alongside the sporting competition, the Challenge featured an International Referee Course, adding an educational and technical dimension to the inaugural event.
Organised during the Challenge, the course provided an opportunity to develop refereeing knowledge and expertise in Beach Wrestling and contribute to the harmonisation of officiating standards for future CISM competitions.
The event also featured CISM’s anti-doping programme. In preparation for the competition, local Doping Control Officers (DCOs) and chaperones were trained and certified, helping to develop additional local expertise that will remain useful beyond the event.
During the Challenge, doping control procedures were conducted professionally and in accordance with CISM requirements, ensuring that the competition was accompanied by measures to protect integrity and fair play.
The training and certification activities, together with the International Referee Course, added a capacity-building component to the event beyond the competition itself.
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.
The successful organisation of the first CISM Military Beach Wrestling Challenge provided experience for athletes, officials and organisers and established a foundation for the further development of Beach Wrestling within the CISM sports programme.
With six participating nations from three continents, four men’s weight categories, female participation, an International Referee Course and an anti-doping programme, the inaugural Challenge also provided opportunities for Armed Forces from different countries to meet through sporting competition and build relationships based on friendship, respect and solidarity.