African Games success a reflection of MMA’s rising profile, says Akhimien

Shihan (Pharm) Victor Akhimien, Technical Director, NMMAF

Technical director of the Nigeria Mixed Martial Arts Federation (NMMAF), Shihan Victor Akhimien, is thrilled by the strides the country’s fighters recorded at the just-concluded African Games in Ghana, saying it has shown that the sport is developing in the right direction.

Akhimiena seventh-degree Karate blackbelt holder and chairman of Lagos State Mixed Martial Arts Association,is elatedthat four Nigerian fighters won medals in MMA, which made its debut in Ghana as one of the demonstration sports at the African Games.

The feat, he said, is a demonstration of the country’s position in MMA in Africa, addingthat the athletesneed more support to compete favourably with their foreign counterparts.
“He said: “We went with four fighters, and they won four medals, one gold, one silver and two bronze medals despite all the odds they faced at the event.

“Our mission is to keep creating awareness of the sport, especially at the grassroots and also ensure more officials,referees and fighters are trained to meet the modern standard of the sport.

“MMA can put Nigeria on global reckoning like football and other notable sports have done,” he said.

Also Speaking on the victorious outing of Nigeria’s MMA contingent to the Africa Games, NMMAF President, Henry George.

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