global The Mixed Martial Arts Association has confirmed that Nigeria and 10 others will be competing for the first time in a mixed martial arts event at the 13th African Games in Accra, Ghana.
Accra 2023 will feature MMA for the first time as a demonstration from Sunday 10th March to Monday 12th March. Other countries participating in the event include Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Sudan, Togo, Uganda, Libya and host Ghana.
After registration, medical checks and weigh-ins were completed on Friday, March 8th, the draw for the competition was held on Saturday, March 9th, prior to the start of games on Sunday, March 10th.
Eight men and five women are representing Nigeria in this tournament, and they were selected for their MMA debut in February when they were inducted into the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame.
The amateur MMA rules competition under GAMMA joins six other demonstration sports for a total of 30 disciplines. Eight of those matches will qualify him for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Approval to participate in the African Games is a milestone for the sport in advancing MMA's quest for recognition. As for Africa, this feat is an honor for African MMA athletes as the sport of MMA continues to grow across the continent.
GAMMA President Alexander Engelhard said: “We are at an exciting time for MMA as it will be included in the Olympic program for the first time at the African Games.” Not only is this a tribute to the development of MMA in Africa and the efforts of our members, but it is also a great platform for African MMA athletes and will no doubt encourage further growth. ”
The 13th edition of the four-year multi-sport event begins on March 8th and ends on March 23rd.
