The vitality inside Lagos was electrical because the AFC World Sequence closed its historic match — the primary personal MMA promotion in Africa formally recognised as a continental rating platform.
For 4 days, fighters from throughout the nation battled not just for medals but additionally for an opportunity to put in writing their names into the way forward for African fight sports activities.
One of many standout winners was Victor Obadaya, who admitted his victory was bittersweet after defeating a teammate. “I used to be blissful that I received, however I used to be not in a position to have fun as a result of he was my teammate. I take everybody in my workforce as a brother,” he informed PREMIUM TIMES. Nonetheless, the younger fighter is already wanting forward, with ambitions of representing Nigeria on the Olympics and finally competing within the UFC. “I really feel this ought to be the chance to symbolize my nation. I’ve a ardour for this nation, and I need to face no matter is available in entrance of me.”
Constructing a pathway for African fighters
Henry George, president of the Nigerian Combined Martial Arts Federation (NMMAF), praised the standard of the competitors, stressing that Nigerian athletes are able to rise to world ranges. “We now have top-tier fighters already as a result of they’ve been impressed by our brothers competing internationally. What we’re doing now’s laying the infrastructure for correct growth — the newbie system, the rating system — in order that they have adequate fights earlier than going skilled,” he stated.
Mr George defined that Nigeria follows worldwide requirements by making certain fighters acquire no less than 10 newbie bouts earlier than turning skilled. “By the tip of this month, we’re going to the World Championship in Georgia. With the publicity from this platform, our fighters are prepared and we’re assured of profitable medals,” he added.
Lagos as Africa’s sports activities hub
For Lekan Fatodu, director common of the Lagos State Sports Commission, the occasion confirmed town’s standing as Nigeria’s sporting capital. “For everybody following developments in Lagos, it’s clear we’ve by no means seen one thing like this in latest instances. We’ve hosted archery, fencing, desk tennis, badminton, and now martial arts. Lagos State is the epicentre of sports activities in Nigeria — and in addition of sports activities economics,” he stated.
READ ALSO: CAFCC: Kwara United coach units sights on glory forward of Asante Kotoko conflict
Mr Fatodu emphasised that the state is dedicated to supporting athletes past the sector and selling collaborations with personal sector companions in entrepreneurship and scholarship alternatives. “Sports activities is not only a interest; it’s a world foreign money. Our duty is to supply an enabling atmosphere and holistic assist — mentally, socially, and professionally — so these athletes can thrive.”
A imaginative and prescient for the long run
For Raad Aswani, founding father of the AFC World Sequence, the Lagos occasion marked a groundbreaking milestone. “Nobody has carried out one thing like this in Africa earlier than. This is step one in making a pathway from newbie to skilled MMA on the continent,” he stated proudly.
Mr Aswani defined that winners will progress to the Subsequent Contenders Match later this 12 months, giving athletes as much as seven fights beneath their belts — fast-tracking them towards skilled standing. “We don’t need our athletes to stick with us endlessly. If we get them a highlight within the UFC or PFL, we’ll make it possible for dream comes true,” he stated.
However he additionally issued a rallying name for wider assist. “Each cent of this has come from our pocket. Now that you simply’ve seen the standard of what we’ve carried out, I urge sponsors and authorities to affix us to make sure this stays a homegrown African product that lasts for generations.”
Outdoors the battles within the cage, the Lagos present was alive with music, performances and fan-focused leisure that stored the gang buzzing all through the week.
The spectacle peaked on the ultimate day when Nigeria’s UFC star, Sodiq Yusuff, joined the commentary workforce, including world star energy and sharp evaluation that gave the championship bouts an additional layer of pleasure.
