Nigeria Set for Second Outing at 2025 World Sambo Championships in Kyrgyzstan

Nigeria is gearing up for its second appearance at the 2025 World Sambo Championships, slated to hold from November 7 to 9 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

Sambo, a martial art blending elements of judo, jujutsu, boxing, and folk wrestling, is officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The annual global event, organised by the Fédération Internationale de Sambo (FIAS), features competitions in Sport Sambo, Combat Sambo, and Blind Sambo (SVI1 category).

Team Nigeria will be represented by Fatai Balogun, Samuel Kekere, and Sodiq Ajibade, who will compete in the combat and blind sambo categories.

Balogun is entered in the men’s 88kg Combat Sambo.

Kekere, who made history in 2024 as the first African to compete in Blind Sambo at the World Championships, will again contest in the men’s 64kg Blind Sambo.

Ajibade, making his debut appearance, will represent Nigeria in the men’s 98kg Blind Sambo, with hopes of earning a podium finish.


Speaking ahead of the championship, Kekere expressed gratitude to FIAS for its continued support and commended Sheriff Hammed, Vice President and General Secretary of the Sambo Association of Nigeria, for his dedication in ensuring Nigeria’s participation.

The three-day competition will host top sambists from around the world, featuring matches across the various disciplines. The total prize pool for the 2025 edition is $341,000, distributed equally across all categories — with gold medalists receiving $4,000, silver medalists $3,000, and bronze medalists $2,000.

While Sport Sambo will feature a repechage format from the finalists, Combat Sambo will be contested without repechage.

Additionally, the President of the Sambo Association of Nigeria, Loveth Howell, and Sheriff Hammed are expected to attend the World Sambo Congress, which will be held alongside the championships.