MMA
By Babatunde Ogunrinde
Lagos, Jan.1, 2026 (NAN) President of Akalaka Spirit of the Warrior, Dr Ebere Bernard, has expressed his determination to drive national youth development through combat sports, particularly Mixed Martial Arts.
Bernard on Thursday told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that MMA could position Nigeria globally while providing financial empowerment and constructive engagement for restless youths.
“You can see youthful restiveness everywhere. MMA is a way of engaging youths and keeping them busy,” Bernard said.
He explained that structured training and competition reduce exposure to crime and social vices among young people.
“If you have a competition in six months, you will be preoccupied with high-level training rather than negative vices,” he added.
Bernard, a Nigerian Army veteran, said clearer direction and stronger structures were needed to guide youths productively.
The Akalaka president, who is also Director of National Youth Development at NIMMAF, called for support from corporate Nigeria.
He also urged the Federal Government to invest in MMA to promote mass participation, employment creation and sports tourism.
“This event is capital intensive. An individual cannot run it alone. We need government support,” Bernard said.
He noted that annual sports budgets could be leveraged to sponsor MMA and expand its reach nationwide.
“There is no better way to reach youths than what is happening here. Government support would make a huge difference,” he added.
NAN reports that the seventh Akalaka Spirit of the Warrior MMA series recently thrilled fans in Umuahia.
Tagged Festival of Warriors, the event featured multiple submissions and knockouts at Murphy’s Mansion Resort, Amafor, Isingwu.
The Main Event saw Christopher “Stab the Electric Eel” Swande defeat Chidera “Smiling Assassin” Emeka with a first-round Ezekiel choke.
Forged at the Akalaka Gym, Swande survived heavy striking before sealing victory late in the opening round.
The bout highlighted the resilience of the Mbagben warrior clan of Gaav, Benue State, from which Swande hails.
The fight venue’s proximity to the National War Museum set a symbolic tone during the ceremonial weigh-in and face-off.
The Welterweight opener saw Casmir “Poison” Junior submit Felix Valentine via rear naked choke in round two.
In the only women’s bout, Enku “Wakuta Finest” Ekuta defeated Patience “The Empress” Okoh in the Bantamweight division.
Ekuta neutralised Okoh’s striking before transitioning through submissions to secure a first-round rear naked choke win.
Other highlights included Destiny Ekpo’s Featherweight Ezekiel choke victory over Joshua Emmanuel.
Azor Chibueze claimed a Heavyweight TKO, while David Emmanuel won the Lightweight co-main event by guillotine choke.
The competition, Abia State’s first major MMA showcase, ended with an award for Best Fighter of the Night.
Main Event winner Swande claimed the accolade, edging David Emmanuel and Destiny Ekpo, alongside a substantial financial reward. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
BAO/KTO
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Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo