The president of the Nigeria Mix Martial Art Federation, Henry George, has said that the sport would be recognized ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
Speaking during a press conference to welcome the Nigeria contingent that excelled at the just concluded African Games in Ghana, where the sport was featured as demonstration sport, the president while appreciating the ministry of sports development and the athletes for their achievements said they have been doing everything possible to make the game at the amateur level a better one.
“Certainly, this one (2024 Olympics), because we must have recognition,” he said.
“Our world governing body is doing a lot to ensure that the sport is recognized. There are criteria that you must meet and those criteria are met already. Our international mixed martial arts federation body is at the forefront of ensuring that it is recognised in sports and the IOC.
“Not this particular Olympics but the next one because Sports Accord is going to announce and accept new members because those applications are there.”
Speaking of the performance of Team Nigeria at the African Games where the team won one gold, one silver and two bronze medals, George said it was the reward of hard work.
He added: “I’m very happy. I don’t know how to express my joy. Winning in all African games isn’t a joke. Even national sports festivals.
“The ministry did well for us to include us in the all African Games, approved funding for us and we went with the four and those four athletes won all their categories. It’s a big one for us, we are excited and it means a lot for our country.”