By Vivian Ahanmisi
Nigeria’s Rukayat Suleimon has made history, becoming Africa’s first female blind sambist to win gold at the World Sambo Cup in Yerevan, Armenia.
Competing in the women’s -54kg category, she defeated opponents from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan to secure the title.
Suleimon and compatriot Elizabeth Aseso were part of a pioneering female team at the International Sambo Federation tournament.
A Lagos judo champion on her international debut, Suleimon edged Kazakhstan’s Abdinazarova Elnara 12–10 in her opening bout.
She then beat Uzbekistan’s Ortikova Charos 13–2 in the final after recovering from an early scare.
The victory makes her the first Nigerian and African to win international sambo gold, and the first female blind sambist globally to do so.
Aseso, competing in the women’s -59kg category, did not reach the podium.
The International Sambo Federation praised the result, describing Nigeria as an emerging force in African sambo.
Reflecting on her triumph, Suleimon thanked the Nigeria Sambo Association and Vice Chairman, Sherif Hammed, for their support.
“I promised I would not return to Nigeria empty-handed, and I thank God I achieved my dream of winning gold.
“It was not easy. I was nervous in each fight as it was my first international tournament, but I conquered my fear and gave my best.
“I am excited and grateful to God, my coach and chairman. I hope to compete more internationally and look forward to the World Championships,” she said.
Her success builds on Nigeria’s progress in blind sambo in recent years.
In 2024, Samuel Oladele Kekere became the first Nigerian and African blind sambist to compete at the World Cup.
Sodiq Ajibade followed with a bronze medal in 2025, while Suleimon’s gold further elevates Nigeria’s global standing.
Hammed described the achievement as historic and inspiring. “For Nigeria to produce the first blind sambist to win World Cup gold is humbling.
“It is not just a victory for Nigeria but for Africa. With the right support, we can compete consistently at the highest level.
“It sends a strong message that disability is not inability and reinforces our mission to support visually impaired athletes,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was held at the Gazprom Educational-Sports Complex in Armenia.
It featured Sport Sambo, Combat Sambo and Blind Sambo, while strengthening international ties and advancing the sport’s Olympic ambitions.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
