Nigeria will make its second appearance at the 2025 World Sambo Championships in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, from Nov. 7 to Nov. 9.
Organised by the Fédération Internationale de Sambo, the event is the top global competition for Sport Sambo, Combat Sambo, and Blind Sambo.
Nigeria will be represented by Fatai Balogun, Samuel Kekere and Sodiq Ajibade in Combat and Blind Sambo categories.
Balogun will contest the men’s 88kg Combat Sambo. Kekere, the first African to compete in Blind Sambo, will feature in the men’s 64kg event.
Ajibade will make his debut in the men’s 98kg Blind Sambo and is targeting a podium finish for Nigeria.
Kekere expressed excitement about his second appearance, praising FIAS and crediting Sheriff Hammed for supporting the team’s participation.
This year’s championships will host elite sambists worldwide across Sport Sambo, Combat Sambo and Blind Sambo categories.
The prize fund totals $341,000, with equal rewards for all events. Gold medallists earn $4,000, silver $3,000 and bronze $2,000.
Sport Sambo will use group stages with repechage, while Combat Sambo will take place without repechage rounds.
Sambo Association of Nigeria President, Loveth Howell, and Vice President Sheriff Hammed are expected at the World Congress.
