victory Nigerian athletes competing in the 2023 African Games mixed martial arts event in Ghana were on Friday treated to a celebration by the management of the Lagos Continental Hotel to commemorate their medals at the tournament, Punch Sports reported. Extra reported.
Mixed martial arts will appear for the first time as a public sport at the 13th African Games, which is currently being held in Ghana, with the Republic of Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Sudan, Togo, Uganda, Libya and host country Ghana.
The gold medalists were Muzan Richard (120.5kg), Eze Daniel (83.9kg), Busayo Idowu (52.2kg), Olanike Sodiku (61.2kg) and Joy Obanla (65.8kg).
The silver medalists were Blessing Caro (61.2kg), Benard Ewe (65.8kg) and Winifred Peter (47.6kg), while the lone bronze medalist was Albert Idowu (70.3kg).
The nine fighters were selected from among 60 competitors who participated in the national tournament held on February 18 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.
To make their dream come true, the warriors traveled about 10 hours to Accra.
Silver medalist Idowu, who started out as a boxer, described her experience in Accra as “valuable”, stressing that it strengthened her resolve to make a name for herself in MMA.
General Manager of Continental Group Nigeria, Mr. Carl Hara, said the medalists were role models for Nigerian youths.
“We are proud of your performance in Ghana. This is another important aspect of sports and youth support. It brings a bright future and a long and fruitful association with the Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts Hall of Fame (HOF). We are looking forward to some kind of partnership,” Hara said. .
Kehinde Soyanwo, Executive Director of the Boxing and MMA Hall of Fame and official representative of the World Mixed Martial Arts Association (GAMMA) in Nigeria, also said: To give Nigeria a chance to excel on the world stage and make us proud, both as amateurs and professionals. And we are now witnessing this proud moment. ”
MMA is officially recognized in Africa by the African Sports Confederation (AASC), which has 20 recognized and active member federations on the continent, including the host federation, the Ghana Mixed Martial Arts Association.
GAMMA's vision is for mixed martial arts to be officially recognized as a sport by the Olympic Movement and added to the Olympic Games.
