By; AYO OJEDOKUN, Lagos
Technical Director,
Nigeria Mixed Martial Arts Federation (NMMAF), Pharm. Shihan Victor Akhimien (VICAMEN) has commended participants at the just concluded training and championship held in Asaba, Delta State
He said the programme was part of activities by the federation to propagate the sport in the country in line with standards set by the world MMA Governing body, International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF). IMMAF is the official partner of UFC.
Nigerian pro fighters like Kamoru Usman and Israel Adesanya are current champions under UFC.
Victor Akhimien said the four-day programme exposed both officials and athletes to the new and right to compete and officiate in amateur mixed martial arts
He stated that the federation under the leadership of Ambassador Henry George, is concentrating more on the amateur stage of MMA so that the country’s athletes can understand the basics before going professional.
Over 140 participants took part in the programme in Asaba, Delta State which was certified by the world body.
He said the programme was part of activities by the federation to propagate the sport in the country in line with standards set by the world MMA Governing body, International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF). IMMAF is the official partner of UFC.
Nigerian pro fighters like Kamoru Usman and Israel Adesanya are current champions under UFC.
Victor Akhimien said the four-day programme exposed both officials and athletes to the new and right to compete and officiate in amateur mixed martial arts
He stated that the federation under the leadership of Ambassador Henry George, is concentrating more on the amateur stage of MMA so that the country’s athletes can understand the basics before going professional.
Over 140 participants took part in the programme in Asaba, Delta State which was certified by the world body.
“They were trained on basic technics, how to officiate match safely, how to score points and what parts of the body are used for fights” he said
Victor Akhimien,
a 7th degree Karate Black Belt, said the event in Asaba afforded the federation the opportunity to discover some talented athletes who have been penciled down for further training ahead of the world championship in South Africa next month.
“Course and belt grading certificates were oresented to deserving athletes, coaches and referees in line with IMMAF standards.
“We were impressed with what we saw in Asaba,
another of such programme will hold later this month in Ahoada, Rivers State as part of grassroots initiative.
“We have an online application set up by the world
body on google play store for anyone who is interested in MMA. The Federation is readily available to provide answers to any question and assist in any way they can you anyone who wants to make a name for himself and Nigeria
Akhimien expressed optimism that Nigeria would do well at the upcoming world championship in South Africa from April 28 and others scattered all over the globe.
He however, called on corporate bodies to key into the vision of the federation to raise worthy ambassadors for the land.
