Nigeria’s Sambo Team Set to Compete at 2025 World Championships
Nigeria’s three-man team is set to begin their medal quest at the 2025 World Sambo Championships in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The event will kick off on Friday, with athletes from around the world competing in various categories.
The Nigerian delegation includes Fatai Balogun, Samuel Kekere, and Sodiq Ajibade, who are participating in both combat and blind sambo categories. Each athlete brings unique experience and determination to the competition.
Athletes and Categories
Balogun will compete in the men’s 88kg Combat Sambo, while Kekere, who made history in 2024 as the first African to compete in blind sambo at the World Championships, returns for his second appearance. He will be in the men’s 64kg Blind Sambo category.
Ajibade, making his debut, will represent Nigeria in the men’s 98kg Blind Sambo. His goal is to secure a podium finish, adding to the team’s aspirations.
Kekere expressed his excitement about returning to the global stage. He praised the Fédération Internationale de Sambo (FIAS) for its support and commended Sheriff Hammed, Vice President and General Secretary of the Sambo Association of Nigeria, for his instrumental role in facilitating the team’s participation.
“I am grateful to FIAS for their continued support and to Sheriff Hammed, who has worked tirelessly to ensure we are here. This is not just about me; it’s about showing that Africans with disabilities can compete at the highest level,” Kekere shared.
Hammed expressed confidence in the team’s ability to make an impact at the championships. He highlighted the hard work of the athletes and their readiness to showcase Nigeria’s talent on the global stage.
“Our athletes have trained hard and are ready to showcase Nigeria’s talent on the global stage. We are particularly proud of our blind sambo representatives who continue to break barriers and inspire others,” he said.
About Sambo
Sambo is an offshoot of judo, jujutsu, boxing, and folk wrestling and is currently recognized by the International Olympic Committee. It combines elements of these martial arts into a unique discipline that emphasizes throws, holds, and strikes.
Organized by FIAS, the World Sambo Championships are the premier global event for both Sport Sambo and Combat Sambo, including the Blind Sambo (SVI1 category). The three-day championship will feature top sambists from around the world, with competitions across sport sambo (men and women), combat sambo (men and women), and Blind Sambo (men, SVI1 category).
Prize Fund and Competition Format
The total prize fund for the 2025 edition stands at $341,000, with equal prize money across all disciplines. Gold medalists will receive $4,000, silver medalists get $3,000, while bronze medalists will pocket $2,000.
In sport sambo, athletes will compete in groups with repechage from the finalists, while combat sambo will be contested without repechage. This format ensures a competitive and fair environment for all participants.
Additional Highlights
The President of the Sambo Association of Nigeria, Loveth Howell, and Hammed are expected to attend the World Congress during the championships. Their presence underscores the importance of the event and the commitment of Nigerian officials to the sport.