On January 17, the Nigerian Mixed Martial Arts Federation (NMMAF) achieved its goal of sports recognition from the Federal Ministry of Sport and Youth Development. The NMMAF will now serve as the official governing body for the sport of MMA in Nigeria.
The news comes following a busy period for the federation, which included a demonstration of Mixed Martial Arts as part of Nigeria’s National Festival of Sport in December. IMMAF President Kerrith Brown was in attendance for the demonstration and joined NMMAF President Amb Henry George and Vice-President Mario WANNY in a meeting with the Minister of Youth and Sports Development Sunday Dare to discuss the recognition of the sport in Nigeria while on the trip.
Following confirmation of recognition, NMMAF President Amb Henry George said:
“This is a dream come true. For over five years we have been working to see this historic moment. The approval of NMMAF by the sports ministry is a significant step to pave the way for more MMA champions in Nigeria. I, therefore, call on all stakeholders in the country to embrace the IMMAF syllabus, grading systems, and coach and officials licensing systems for their growth in the sport.
“On behalf of the board, I would like to sincerely appreciate the honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development Sunday Dare for keeping his promise. I want to especially thank IMMAF President Kerrith Brown and the IMMAF board of directors for their great support. I would also like to show our appreciation to IMMAF Director of Member Relations Gosha Malik, who worked tirelessly to see this historic moment.”
