Nigeria Mixed Martial Arts Federation (NMMAF) is on a roll following their recent victory at the African Games in Ghana.
President Henry George and Technical Director Victor Akimian met with reporters in Lagos on Monday and highlighted future plans and ultimate goals. Olympic Games in the shortest possible time.
Reflecting on the success of the African Games, George thanked the Ministry of Sports Development for its support, particularly in funding the participation of the four athletes who all took home medals.
Blessing Onyeri won the gold medal and Martins Ajiba won the silver medal.
John Obeya and Freddie Destiny each contributed to the team's success with a bronze medal.
This achievement marks an important milestone for the young federation.
“I'm very happy. I don't know how to express my joy,” George said.
“Winning every game in Africa is no joke. Even at the national polity.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was committed to including us in the African Games and approved funding for us, we participated with four others and those four athletes won medals in all categories. We did. This is a big deal for us, we're excited, and it means a lot to our country.”
Technical Director Akimien, while elated with the success in Ghana, pledged that the federation will continue to work hard to ensure MMA continues its upward trajectory.
“We've done a lot of work, so we're going to put in more training and dedication. Coaches, training coaches,” Akimian said.
“We brought in Americans to run practical seminars and training for coaches and athletes. Our players are well-trained. We give them a good education. So they can see the performance.”
Although participation in the Paris Olympics is no longer possible, both leaders believe that participation is within reach.
The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) is actively lobbying for Olympic recognition, and Nigeria is in an advantageous position based on established criteria.
Mr. George said. “Our world governing body puts a lot of effort into ensuring that our sport is recognized. There are standards that must be met and those standards have already been met. Our International Mixed Martial Arts Federation organizations are at the forefront of ensuring that it is a sport recognized by the IOC.”
Main character
Just as international organizations play their roles, the Nigeria Mixed Martial Arts Federation also has the burden of coordinating the sport with other organizations that are only allowed to operate as affiliates in the country.
Meanwhile, Namibia will host the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) African Championships later this year, where Nigeria will compete against other countries.
The 2024 IMMAF African Championship aims to continue the evolution of the sport in the region and will be supported by the African MMA Federation, which ensures an event of the highest standard.
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