Asaba 2026: BIPOGA Elevates MMA To Medal Sport
A Milestone for Combat Sports
MIXED Martial Arts (MMA) will, for the first time, feature as a fully recognised and scoring sport at the 15th Biennial Police Games (BIPOGA), Asaba 2026 — a development widely described as a turning point for structured combat sports in Nigeria.
The upgrade from demonstration status at the 14th edition to a medal-contending discipline signals what stakeholders say is a deliberate institutional push by the Nigeria Police Force to formalise and regulate the sport within its ranks.
Officials note that this is the first time MMA will be officially scored at any national multi-sport event in Nigeria, marking a breakthrough in the sport’s domestic evolution.
From Exhibition to Regulation
Chairman of the Nigeria Police Mixed Martial Arts Association and Board Member of the Nigeria Mixed Martial Arts Federation, CSP Kalu Chijioke Erem, described the development as “historic and defining.”
According to him, MMA’s journey within the Police Games began with the inaugural Inspector General of Police (IGP) Open National MMA Championship held in Abuja from 1–4 December 2023, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
The sport later featured as a demonstration event at the 14th BIPOGA before gaining full medal status for Asaba 2026.
“Asaba 2026 marks the first time not just at the Police Games but at any national sporting festival in Nigeria that MMA is officially scored among other sporting events,” Erem said.
He added that the shift reflects a structured, safety-driven framework emphasizing athlete welfare, technical certification, and governance standards aligned with global best practices.
Leadership and Institutional Support
Erem credited the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for championing the sport’s growth within the Force.
From supporting standout officers such as Cpl Juliet Chukwu, Cpl Juliet Ukah, and Cpl Bernard Ewah, to institutionalising competitive platforms, the IGP’s backing has been described as instrumental in building credibility for Police MMA athletes.
Observers within the sports community argue that structured support from uniformed services often provides athletes with training stability, healthcare access, and career security — factors critical to high-performance development.
Building a Sustainable Sports Ecosystem
Beyond medals, stakeholders see the inclusion as a model for sustainable sports administration. Erem, a member of the Nigeria Olympic Technical Commission and the Police Sports Planning Committee, noted that the initiative demonstrates how leadership, regulation, and deliberate investment can create long-term opportunities.
“This is how sustainable sports ecosystems are built,” he said.
The Games, themed “Beyond the Badge: Excellence in Action,” with the slogan “Discipline, Dignity and Dedication,” were declared open by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa.
With competition running through 21st February 2026, Asaba 2026 is poised to serve as both a testing ground and a launchpad for Nigerian MMA’s integration into broader national sporting frameworks.
