Nigeria is making history in the world of blind SAMBO as two female athletes prepare to represent the country at the 2026 World SAMBO Cup in Yerevan, Armenia.
Rukayat Taiwo and Elizabeth Aseso will become the first African women to compete in the female blind SAMBO category at the international tournament, scheduled for April 11–12, 2026. Taiwo will contest in the 54kg division, while Aseso will fight in the 59kg class.
Officials from the Nigeria Sambo Association hailed the athletes’ qualification as a major milestone for the country and the continent. They noted that Nigeria has steadily grown its presence in blind SAMBO since making its international debut in 2024.
Speaking on the achievement, Taiwo expressed excitement about representing Nigeria and creating a historic moment for African women in the sport. Earlier successes, including Africa’s first medal in blind SAMBO at the 2025 edition, signal the country’s rising profile on the global stage.
The 2026 World Cup will feature competitions in Sport SAMBO, Combat SAMBO, and Blind SAMBO, drawing athletes from across the globe to compete for top honors. Nigeria’s representatives hope to leave a lasting impression in their first appearance.
