By Sylvanus Ofekun
The stage is set for the third edition of the Dambe Warriors League (DWL) final, scheduled to hold on Sunday at the Velodrome, Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja. The organizers are confident that the traditional martial art sport, Dambe, will become Nigeria’s next gold mine.
Co-founder of DWL, Chidi Anyina, disclosed that the league has partnered with SuperSport to broadcast the fight to 42 African countries, aiming to hook viewers worldwide on the sport. “We want to get global buy-in from people around the world,” Anyina said.
Anthony Okeleke, another co-founder, revealed that the target is to take Dambe from Kano to Las Vegas, with plans to bring in foreign fighters to this year’s final. Eight local fighters will compete in today’s event, including Aljanin Nasarawa vs Yar Mage, Dogon Messi vs Shabban, Garkuwan Yansanda vs Ali Kanin Bello, and Dogon Shegiyar Mota vs Dan Tula Yellow.
Shabban, seeking revenge against Dogon Messi, expressed gratitude to the organizers for paying his insurance and salary, citing that his membership in DWL has transformed his lifestyle.
The DWL has grown significantly since its inception, with the first final held at Kano Pillars Stadium and the second season at Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, Lagos. The league’s expansion and partnership with SuperSport demonstrate its potential for global recognition.
As the third season comes to a close, the DWL organizers are optimistic about Dambe’s future, poised to become a major player in Nigeria’s sports industry.
*Match Schedule:*
– Aljanin Nasarawa vs Yar Mage (Lightweight)
– Dogon Messi vs Shabban (Middleweight)
– Garkuwan Yansanda vs Ali Kanin Bello (Heavyweight)
– Dogon Shegiyar Mota vs Dan Tula Yellow
*Venue:* Velodrome, Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja
*Date:* Sunday
*Time:* 3PM
*Broadcast:* SuperSport (42 African countries)
The DWL’s vision for Dambe’s global recognition is taking shape, and Sunday’s finale promises to be an exciting culmination of the third season.