Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) made its official scoring debut at the 15th Biennial Police Games (BIPOGA) in Asaba, elevating the sport to a medal-contending event for the first time in Nigeria. The milestone cements MMA’s place alongside other national sports and marks a breakthrough for structured combat sports development in the country.
CSP Kalu Erem, chairman of the Nigeria Police MMA Association and board member of the Nigeria MMA Federation, hailed the inclusion as historic. He credited Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun for his leadership in nurturing the sport, citing initiatives like the first I-G Open National MMA Championship in Abuja in 2023 and the demonstration event at the 14th BIPOGA.
“This is the first time MMA is officially scored at a national sporting festival,” Erem said. “The Nigeria Police Force is leading the way, following global best practices in governance, athlete welfare, and technical certification.”
The debut provides formal competitive pathways for athletes, coaches, and officials, highlighting top performers such as Cpl Juliet Chukwu, Cpl Juliet Ukah, and Cpl Bernard Ewah. Erem emphasized that the initiative creates sustainable opportunities for officers to compete nationally and internationally.
The Games, themed “Beyond the Badge: Excellence in Action” with the slogan “Discipline, Dignity and Dedication,” were opened by President Bola Tinubu, represented by Minister of Defence Gen. Christopher Musa. Scheduled to run through February 21, Asaba 2026 now stands as a defining moment for Nigerian MMA, signaling a new era for combat sports within institutional sporting structures.