Edward Farah Marah
Following the successful completion of a 12-day intensive nationwide wrestling development initiative, Nigerian wrestling expert Purity Akuh on Friday, February 20, 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the National Olympic Committee of Sierra Leone (NOC-SLE) at 13 Walpole Street, Freetown.
The Sierra Leone Wrestling Association (SLWA) concluded its two-week nationwide Development of National Sport System (DNSS) programme facilitated by Coach Akuh, who served as the technical expert for both phases of the training.
The programme commenced with Phase One in Makeni before moving to Port Loko. It later transitioned into Phase Two in Bo and Kenema, ensuring broad national participation and impact across four key regions of the country.
Held under the theme “Grassroots to Greatness: A Strategic Pathway for Wrestling Development in Sierra Leone,” the initiative integrated both phases of the DNSS framework, focusing on building technical capacity, strengthening grassroots structures, and improving administrative efficiency within the sport.
Coach Akuh is a prominent Nigerian national woman’s wrestling coach and educator with United World Wrestling (UWW). He has played a key role in Nigeria’s international success, including participation at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the Paris 2024 Olympics.
In his welcome address, NOC-SLE Secretary General Ahmed Khanou underscored that, as part of the Committee’s strategic plan, it continues to maximise the use of Olympic Solidarity to provide technical support to national sports federations. He revealed that within the last 12 months, nine courses have been delivered, four of which were under the DNSS framework. He also expressed gratitude for securing the services of such an experienced wrestling expert from Nigeria.
SLWA Secretary General Bai Bangura described Coach Akuh as one of Africa’s finest wrestling coaches. He disclosed that when the DNSS programme was approved, SLWA President Prince Vandy Sualley specifically requested Akuh as the instructor, despite other options proposed by the international federation.
Bangura further explained that the expert was initially expected in October last year, but due to scheduling constraints; the training was rescheduled several times before finally taking place in February. Originally planned as two separate phases in November and December, the sessions were eventually combined into one comprehensive nationwide programme.
“He was not only engaged in the four regions,” Bangura noted, “but also conducted additional sessions at our Kissy training centre in Freetown, going beyond his official schedule to support our wrestlers.”
For his part, Coach Akuh expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to him during his first visit to Sierra Leone. He described SLWA President Prince Vandy Sualley as a father figure, mentor, and long-time supporter.
“I remember my early days with the Nigerian national team,” Akuh said. “Prince Vandy Sualley was always supportive of Nigeria’s wrestling. Each time we met, he would tell me to do something for Sierra Leone. I see the passion he has for wrestling and his desire to achieve the same global success Nigeria enjoys.”
Akuh highlighted Makeni as a promising hub for female wrestling, noting strong potential among young athletes in Kenema and Port Loko. However, he emphasised the need for sustained effort and broader support.
“I told the coaches that development cannot rely solely on government support. We need companies, private investors, and community backing to move wrestling forward,” he stressed.
NOC-SLE President Prince Vandy Sualley praised Coach Akuh as a “born winner” with a proven global track record. He noted that Akuh has groomed some of Nigeria’s top wrestlers, including Blessing Oborududu, silver medallist at the Tokyo Olympics; Christianah Ogunsanya, African Games champion; and three-time Commonwealth Games champion Odunayo Adekuroye.
“There were many coaches offered to us, but I insisted on Purity Akuh because I know what he is capable of,” Sualley stated. “This is just the beginning. I believe Sierra Leone wrestling will grow stronger through this partnership.”
The visit concluded with remarks from NOC-SLE Treasurer Unisa Deen Kargbo and the presentation of Sierra Leone kits to Coach Akuh, marking the climax of a successful development mission aimed at strengthening wrestling across the country.