Nigeria’s Suleimon Makes History with Gold at World Sambo Cup in Armenia

Nigeria’s Rukayat Suleimon has written her name in the history books after becoming the first female blind sambist in the world to win a gold medal at the World Sambo Cup in Yerevan, Armenia.

Suleimon achieved the landmark feat in the women’s –54 kg category, overcoming top contenders from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan in a remarkable run that underscored her resilience and skill.

Making her international debut, the Lagos State judo champion announced herself on the global stage with a hard-fought 12–10 victory over Kazakhstan’s Abdinazarova Elnara in her opening bout. She then produced a commanding performance in the final, defeating Uzbekistan’s Ortikova Charos 13–2 after recovering from an early scare.

Her triumph not only makes her the first Nigerian and African to win gold at an international sambo event, but also the first female blind athlete globally to achieve such a milestone in the sport.

Suleimon was part of a pioneering group of female blind sambists competing at the tournament organised by the International Sambo Federation (FIAS), alongside fellow Nigerian Elizabeth Aseso, who featured in the women’s -59kg category but narrowly missed out on a podium finish.

Speaking after her historic victory, Suleimon expressed gratitude for the support she received and reflected on the challenges of her debut appearance.

“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 since it was my first international tournament. But I conquered my fear and gave my best,” she said. “I am excited and grateful to God, my coach, and Mr. Sherif Hammed for making this possible. I hope to compete more internationally and look forward to the World Championships in November.”

Her achievement continues Nigeria’s steady rise in blind sambo. In 2024, Samuel Oladele Kekere became the first Nigerian and African to compete in the category at the World Cup, while Sodiq Ajibade secured a bronze medal in 2025.

Vice President of the Nigeria Sambo Association, Sherif Hammed, described Suleimon’s victory as a watershed moment for the country and the continent.

“For Nigeria to produce the first blind sambist to win gold at the World Cup is humbling. It is not just a victory for Nigeria but for Africa. This performance proves that with the right support, Nigeria can consistently compete at the highest level,” he said. “It sends a strong message that disability is not inability and reinforces our mission to create opportunities for visually impaired athletes to excel and represent Africa on the world stage.”

The World Sambo Cup, held at the Gazprom Educational-Sports Complex in Armenia, featured elite competitors from around the world across Sport Sambo, Combat Sambo, and Blind Sambo categories. Beyond the medals, the event also served to strengthen international sporting ties, improve global rankings, and advance the sport’s push for Olympic recognition.

Suleimon’s gold medal now stands as a defining moment for Nigeria in the sport, further elevating the country’s growing reputation in international sambo.

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