NPWF honours Eze Njoku, urges Nigeria to back professional wrestling

The Nigeria Professional Wrestling Federation (NPWF) has honoured Eze Amb. Nicholas Emenike Njoku with a National Award and urged the Nigerian government to invest more in professional wrestling. Njoku is the Eze Ndigbo of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area in Lagos.

The federation recognised Njoku for his leadership, public service and contributions to society. He said the honour would strengthen his commitment to supporting community development. He also described wrestling as a sport that can bring Nigerians from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds together, particularly when athletes represent the country internationally.

Njoku called on wrestling stakeholders to reject tribalism and nepotism when selecting and recognising people in the industry. He encouraged the NPWF to broaden its work with young people who have sporting ability, including bodybuilders, so their physical strength can be directed towards organised sport instead of hooliganism and other harmful activities.

The Onowu of Eze Ndigbo in Ejigbo LCDA, Amb. Engr. Richard Chukwuedozie, also received an award for supporting and patronising the organisation. NPWF president John Onyebuchi Uche said the recipients were chosen because of their leadership and their efforts to assist less privileged people and contribute positively to society.

Uche said Nigerian professional wrestlers have the ability to compete at continental and international level, but lack sufficient institutional backing. While amateur wrestling is recognised within the national sports system, he said professional wrestling depends largely on private people and organisations. The NPWF uses internally generated funds to train young wrestlers, stage programmes and provide competition and tour opportunities.

The president said he had invested personally in training young wrestlers in 21 local government areas of Anambra State, but warned that this burden could not be carried by the federation alone. He appealed to the Federal Government, businesses and other sporting stakeholders to support grassroots talent identification, training and facilities.

Uche also announced plans for a ₦500 million secretariat in Abuja, intended to serve as an administrative and development centre. Founded in 1981 and based in Lagos, the NPWF operates separately from the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, which oversees amateur and Olympic-style wrestling, and wants stronger support to expand professional wrestling in Nigeria and beyond.