Breaking Barriers: Nigeria's Sodiq Ajibade Makes History at World SAMBO Championships

At the World SAMBO Championships in Kyrgyzstan, Sodiki Alade AJIBADE made history. Competing in the men's up to 98kg Blind SAMBO category (SVI-1 – for totally blind sambists), the Nigerian athlete secured a bronze medal – the first ever won by an African in this discipline at the World Championships.

A Historic Achievement

This wasn't just any competition – it was Sodiq's (Sodiq – is the local spelling of his name in Nigeria) first international debut. When asked about competing at the world's highest level, his response captured the moment perfectly:

“I'm so happy. I'm feeling good. I'm happy. I'm happy. I'm happy!”

The path to the podium required more than physical preparation. “First of all, I thank my God. I thank my coach,” Sodiq said immediately after his victory. “My coach made everything easy for me. I used the techniques my coach introduced to me.”

Thinking Ahead

Already, Sodiq is setting his sights on bigger stages. When asked about competing someday at the Paralympics, his determination was clear:

“I'm ready. I am more than ready for such a big event. And I’m ready to work hard at the trainings for that.”

A Milestone for Nigerian SAMBO

Sheriff Hammed, Secretary General and Vice-president of the SAMBO Association of Nigeria, traveled to Kyrgyzstan with three athletes. Reflecting on the results, he expressed deep satisfaction:

“I'm quite satisfied with our overall performance. Out of the three athletes we took, Sodiq Ajibade – our blind sambist – really made us proud by winning a bronze medal. That's not just a medal for Nigeria, but the first-ever for Africa in that discipline, which is a huge milestone.”

Hammed also noted the performance of Fatai Balogun in the 88kg Combat SAMBO category, who "gave an impressive performance, fighting for over three minutes against world champion."

For Hammed personally, the significance goes beyond statistics: “This medal means so much to me. It's not just about the win – it's about what it represents. Seeing Sodiq Ajibade make history as the first African to win a medal is a proud and emotional moment for me. It reminds me why we keep pushing despite the challenges. It shows that with the right support and belief, our athletes can compete and succeed on the world stage.”

Growing Interest in Nigeria

Nigeria is experiencing rising participation in Blind SAMBO. As Hammed explained: “There is definitely a growing interest in SAMBO in Nigeria. What's particularly exciting is the rising participation from the blind community, with both male and female athletes showing remarkable dedication.”

Training sessions at Rowepark Dojo have become regular events, bringing together blind and visually impaired sambists – both men and women – to refine techniques and prepare for competition.

Hammed, who also serves as Lagos State Chairman of Judo, brings years of experience in combat sports development to his role. Though new to SAMBO himself, his vision for the sport is clear: “My primary goal in SAMBO is to advance the sport at every level, making it more accessible and widely recognized both nationally and internationally. I am dedicated to creating opportunities for athletes of all abilities to excel.”

The Paralympic Path

The inclusion of Blind SAMBO at the World Championships represents years of development by the International SAMBO Federation (FIAS). In recognition of this work, FIAS received official recognition from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) as an IPC Recognised International Federation – one of only 15 international sports federations worldwide to hold this status.

FIAS President Vasily Shestakov commented on what athletes like Sodiq represent: “These athletes step onto the mat, compete, and achieve victories despite significant challenges. Their strength of character, courage, and determination inspire deep respect. They are not only champions in SAMBO but true heroes and role models for the entire sporting community. They prove that human potential goes far beyond physical limitations.”

The discipline has grown rapidly on the international stage. In 2023, blind SAMBO competitions were included in the Asia and Oceania SAMBO Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, and later at the World Combat Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In 2024, the first medals in this discipline were awarded at the World SAMBO Championships in Astana. The 2025 Championships in Kyrgyzstan marked another step forward, with Blind SAMBO firmly established in the competition program.

On the potential for Paralympic inclusion, Hammed is optimistic: “I believe SAMBO has the potential to become part of the Paralympic Games. The sport already emphasizes agility, technique, and strategy over sheer strength, which makes it highly adaptable for athletes with different physical abilities. We are already seeing remarkable performances from athletes with health limitations competing at the highest levels internationally.”

A New Chapter

“Sodiki Alade Ajibade's bronze medal in Kyrgyzstan represents more than personal achievement. It marks the arrival of African Blind SAMBO on the world stage and demonstrates what's possible when federations invest in developing sport for athletes of all abilities,” said Roman Novikov, chairperson of the FIAS Commission for Athletes with Different Abilities, FIAS Vice-President.

As Hammed put it: “For me, being involved in SAMBO is really about helping others discover their potential and being part of something bigger than just competition.”

Nigeria's first World Championship medal in Blind SAMBO is now a reality. And if Sodiq's determination is any indication, it won't be the last.