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Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has been officially included as a compulsory sport for the 26th National Sports Festival scheduled to hold in Enugu in 2026, following approval by the National Sports Commission.
The Nigeria Mixed Martial Arts Federation (NMMAF) announced the development, describing it as a landmark step in the growth and institutional recognition of MMA in Nigeria. The federation noted that the decision reflects the sport’s rising profile and its increasing acceptance within the country’s sporting structure.
According to the NMMAF, preparations are already underway to ensure smooth participation at the Games, with engagements ongoing across state associations, athletes, coaches, and other stakeholders. The federation added that the inclusion of MMA will open up structured opportunities for talent discovery and development nationwide.
The move is also expected to strengthen Nigeria’s standing in the global MMA landscape, with the NMMAF maintaining affiliation with the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation, the international governing body for amateur MMA.
The 2026 National Sports Festival is anticipated to provide a major platform for showcasing the sport’s growth and competitiveness across the country.
