By Ekema Njoku M.
Cameroon Legendary Wrestler and one time African Champion, Jacob Mbeng Makia, popularly Known as Super Makia, has been laid to rest in his Damas residence in Yaounde.
A funeral ceremony was organised at the multi-purpose complex in Yaoundé.
[myAds]
This was under the watchful eyes of Sports and Physical Education Minister, Prof. Nacisse Mouelle Kombi and a host of sport’s personalities alongside family members and well-wishers on Friday, August 16.
The 61-year-old Super Makia died Thursday, August 1, 2019, at the military hospital in the nation’s capital, Yaoundé after a brief illness.
Super Makia was Africa’s wrestling champion for almost three decades from 1986-2014 when he retired from wrestling.
The short and muscular Super Makia had a groundbreaking record. He fought 86 times, winning 85 fights and a single draw in his entire wrestling career. During his reign, he battled with giants like Ngamazine, Time Manodor, and Big Bulu, emerging victorious.
[myAds]
After an exceptional career in the wrestling ring, Super Makia joined the management of an art he held so dear to his heart, serving as third Vice president of the Cameroon professional Wrestling Federation.
He was born in 1956 in Kumba, Meme Division, Southwest Region, where he obtained his elementary school certificates. The young Jacob Makia moved to Nigeria, enrolled at the Lagos school of sports as an amateur wrestler in 1974 and later moved to Hong Kong, China where he fought for two years as a professional wrestler.
Tributes from his children, family members, and friends made headline news. Everyone praised the exploits of the onetime African Champion.
“The departure of this exceptional sportsman is a big loss for our nation as well as the young talents he was grooming.” Sports Minister, Prof Nacisse Mouelle Kombi said.
Legend holds it that Super Makia, during his career, will demolish 8 chickens in a day; two for breakfast, two for lunch, two for pre-dinner and two for dinner.
[myAds]
