Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-03-29 03:03:16
Shihan Victor Akhimien, the technical director of the Nigeria Mixed Martial Arts Federation (NMMAF), is celebrating the success of the country’s fighters at the recently concluded African Games in Ghana. He believes that their impressive performance at the event is a clear indication that the sport is moving in the right direction and developing rapidly in Nigeria.
Akhimien, a seventh-degree Karate blackbelt holder and chairman of the Lagos State Mixed Martial Arts Association, expressed his delight at the fact that Nigeria clinched four medals in MMA, which made its debut as one of the demonstration sports at the African Games in Ghana. He emphasized that this achievement highlights Nigeria’s growing influence in the MMA scene in Africa and underscores the need for continuous support for the athletes to compete effectively with their foreign counterparts.
“We took four fighters to the event, and they managed to secure four medals, including one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals, despite facing various challenges during the competition,” Akhimien said. He stressed the importance of raising awareness about the sport, particularly at the grassroots level, and emphasized the need for more officials, referees, and fighters to receive proper training to meet the evolving standards of MMA.
Akhimien believes that MMA has the potential to elevate Nigeria’s sporting reputation on the global stage, just like football and other popular sports have done in the past. He is committed to driving the growth and development of MMA in Nigeria by providing opportunities for athletes to excel and ensuring that the necessary infrastructure and support systems are in place.
Henry George, the President of NMMAF, also commended Nigeria’s MMA contingent for their outstanding performance at the Africa Games. He echoed Akhimien’s sentiments and expressed his pride in the athletes’ achievements, emphasizing the significance of their success in raising the profile of MMA in Nigeria and across the continent.
The victories at the African Games have inspired a new wave of enthusiasm and passion for MMA in Nigeria, with more athletes, coaches, and enthusiasts showing interest in the sport. The success of the Nigerian fighters has sparked a sense of national pride and unity, showcasing the talent and potential that exists within the country’s MMA community.
As Nigeria continues to make its mark in the world of MMA, there is a growing sense of optimism and anticipation for what the future holds for the sport in the country. With dedicated leaders like Shihan Victor Akhimien and Henry George at the helm, the future of MMA in Nigeria looks bright and promising.
