Sports

FG Approves Mixed Martial Arts As National Sports Federation

Published

2 years ago

April 4, 2023

The Federal Government has approved the recognition of Mixed Martial Arts (NMMAF), as one of the National Sports Federations under the control and supervision of the Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development.

The Honourable Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Sunday Dare who disclosed this on Tuesday, in his Office in Abuja, said that the approval which was granted on January 11, 2023; follows series of interfaces between the Federation’s Board and the Ministry “having satisfied the condition precedent, pursuant to NMMAF’s acceptance to abide with the Code of Governance of all National Sports.”

He stated further that “the recognition has also saddled the Federation with the responsibility to develop, regulate and ensure the safety of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as a thriving Sports in Nigeria in line with global best practices.”

While calling on the Federation to work towards discovering and developing talents from the grassroots for the game, Dare urged them to take the game to a world class status not only through the development and maintenance of strict rules but also adhering strictly to its standards.

The Mixed Martial Arts Game is reputed to be one of the world’s fastest growing Sports with an estimated 449 million followers worldwide.

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Sports

No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday

Published

12 hours ago

June 8, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Association of Nigerian Women in Sports (NAWIS), known for its orderliness since its establishment in 1990, continues to uphold its standards ahead of the upcoming Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) elections.

With members across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, NAWIS has consistently operated without external interference.

Over the years, its members have been nominated to various boards of national sports federations after meeting established criteria, including the payment of annual dues.

The association has attracted a strong base of respected sportswomen who have served the country with distinction, both during and after their active careers.

In preparation for the AFN elections, zonal elections were conducted on June 2 and 3, producing representatives for the national exercise.

While NAWIS initially planned to hold its election in Zaria, Kaduna State, the association’s headquarters, it was later rescheduled for Abuja on Monday, June 9, following directives from higher authorities.

Importantly, NAWIS has a set of strict guidelines that govern its electoral process, particularly the requirement for timely payment of annual dues. Failure to meet this condition results in automatic disqualification.

This guideline was the basis for the disqualification of Maria Wophil, who has reportedly not paid her annual dues since 2017. Her attempt to hurriedly settle outstanding debts just before the election was deemed non-compliant with NAWIS regulations.

Who is Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju?

Commonwealth gold medallist Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju is one of the leading contenders for the NAWIS representative position in the AFN.

She made history as the first African woman to run the 400m in under 50 seconds and brought glory to Nigeria by winning a silver medal in the 4x400m relay at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.

Yusuf-Olukoju also claimed gold in the 400m at the 1991 All-Africa Games and silver in the 200m.

Based on nominations and her track record, Yusuf-Olukoju is considered the most qualified candidate. However, three other contenders have also shown interest, and the final decision will be made in the election slated for Monday, June 9, in Abuja.

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