Nigeria has recorded a landmark moment on the global sporting stage after Alade Ajibade made history at the 2025 World SAMBO Championships in Bishkek, Uzbekistan, becoming the first Nigerian — and the first African — to win a medal in blind SAMBO.
Competing in the men’s -98kg category, Ajibade clinched bronze on his international debut, etching his name into continental sporting history and delivering a defining moment for adaptive sports development in Africa.
Read Also: NIGERIA PLAYERS ABROAD: Iwobi, Bassey, Tolu Arokodare Suffered Defeat On The Road As Akor Adam, Sanusi Earn Valuable Points
Ajibade’s achievement stood tall among Nigeria’s three-man delegation, earning high praise from Sheriff Hammed, Vice President of the Sambo Associations of Nigeria, and one of the leading voices advancing SAMBO and blind SAMBO across the continent.
“This achievement is truly historic and deeply inspiring,” Hammed said. “It reflects the resilience and talent of our athletes and the growing recognition of Africa’s potential in adaptive sports. With the right support and opportunity, our athletes — regardless of ability — can compete and excel on the world stage.”
Nigeria Secures Full Membership Status in FIAS
In another milestone that further cements Nigeria’s rising profile in the sport, the country was officially admitted as a full member of the International SAMBO Federation (FIAS) during the body’s 37th Elective Congress.
Nigeria was admitted alongside Togo, the Maldives, the Central African SAMBO Federation, and the SAMBO Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina, after receiving majority votes from global delegates as a new Executive Board was constituted.
Hammed described the full membership status as a game-changing development:
“Nigeria’s membership in FIAS marks a significant milestone for the growth of SAMBO in our country. It opens doors to international competitions, technical support, and capacity building for athletes, referees, and coaches. We now compete with full recognition, visibility, and pride.”
He noted that the membership elevates Nigeria’s credibility in the global sporting arena, strengthens sports diplomacy, and will accelerate youth development, talent identification, and the institutionalisation of SAMBO nationwide.
FIAS Confirms Global Growth of SAMBO
FIAS President Vasily Shestakov, in his address at the Congress, highlighted strategic advancements achieved by the federation recently. Key among them was:
Combat SAMBO’s debut at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu
Official recognition of FIAS by the International Paralympic Committee
Inclusion of SAMBO in the International Military Sports Council (CISM) calendar
Rapid expansion of SAMBO’s popularity across all continents
A Defining Moment for Africa in Adaptive Sports
Ajibade’s medal and Nigeria’s FIAS elevation represent a dual victory: a breakthrough for African representation in adaptive sports, and a structural leap for SAMBO’s future on the continent.
With history now written in Bishkek, Nigeria has not only inspired a new generation of adaptive athletes but also positioned itself as a rising powerhouse for SAMBO in Africa — with momentum, legitimacy, and global recognition now firmly on its side.
