Nigeria's MMA leaders are to highlight the sport at the National Festival of Sport ©IMMAF

The Nigerian MMA Federation (NMMAF) is to introduce mixed martial arts to the public at the National Sports Festival from Monday (November 28) onwards.

The festival is to take place at the National Stadium in Lagos until December 10.

Nigeria holds the event every year to bring together sportspeople, highlighting their "excellence, sportsmanship and unity".

The NMMAF is the governing body for MMA in Nigeria, is affiliated with the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation and will be holding a demonstration event for the first time at the festival.

The Nigerian MMA Federation is affiliated to the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation ©IMMAF
The Nigerian MMA Federation is affiliated to the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation ©IMMAF

"As a federation, we are looking at a huge talent pool of athletic prospects for MMA in Nigeria with many stars of the future," said NMMAF President Amb Henry George. 

"Acceptance for MMA by the Ministry of Sports would significantly raise the potential of our nation’s long-term impact within one of the world's biggest and most watched sports. 

"Our ability to demonstrate MMA at the 2022 National Sports Festival is a significant first step to show our worth within the Nigerian sports community and we are grateful to the Sports Minister to welcome this participation."

The NMMAF is to present MMA as both recreational and competitive activity, particularly focusing on youth.