Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Tunde Eludini
Published on 2024-03-26 19:22:34
The Nigerian Mixed Martial Arts Federation (NMMAF) recently experienced a successful outing at the African Games in Ghana, which has boosted their morale and aspirations. President Henry George and Technical Director Victor Akhimien shared their future plans of aiming for the Olympic Games in the near future during a press conference in Lagos.
The Federation expressed gratitude towards the Ministry of Sports Development for their support, especially for funding the participation of four athletes who all returned with medals. Blessing Onyeali clinched a gold medal, Martins Aziba secured a silver, while John Obeya and Freddy Destiny each added a bronze to the team’s success. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the budding federation, with Mr. George expressing immense joy and acknowledging the Ministry’s crucial role in their success.
Building on the momentum from the African Games, Mr. Akhimien promised that the Federation would continue to work diligently to further elevate the sport of MMA. They have invested in training, coaching, and conducting seminars to ensure the athletes are well-prepared and educated. While the dream of competing at the Paris Olympics has elapsed, the officials remain optimistic about MMA’s inclusion in the Olympics in the coming years.
The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) is actively working towards gaining Olympic recognition for the sport, with Nigeria being well-positioned based on the necessary criteria set by the IOC. The world governing body is dedicated to promoting the sport and ensuring global recognition.
Within Nigeria, the NMMAF plays a leading role in coordinating and overseeing the sport at the national level, with other bodies operating as affiliates. The Federation will be participating in the IMMAF Africa Championships hosted by Namibia later this year, where they will compete against other countries in the region. The African MMA Confederation will support the event, ensuring the highest quality standards are maintained to foster the growth of MMA in the region.
While the journey to Olympic recognition continues, the NMMAF remains committed to promoting and developing MMA within Nigeria and on the international stage. With a strong foundation and dedicated leadership, the Federation aims to propel MMA to greater heights and secure its place among the prestigious Olympic Games.
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