Nigeria is gearing up for its second appearance at the prestigious 2025 World Sambo Championships scheduled for November 7-9 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The event, organised by the Fédération Internationale de Sambo (FIAS), is the ultimate global competition featuring Sport Sambo, Combat Sambo, and Blind Sambo categories.
Leading Nigeria’s charge is Fatai Balogun, competing in the men’s 88kg Combat Sambo division. Samuel Kekere, the first African to compete in Blind Sambo at last year’s championships, returns in the men’s 64kg Blind Sambo category. Making his debut, Sodiq Ajibade will fight in the men’s 98kg Blind Sambo, with high hopes of clinching a podium finish.
The championships unite the strongest sambists worldwide with a prize fund totaling $341,000 — gold medalists will take home $4,000, silver $3,000, and bronze $2,000. The competition format includes group stages with repechage for Sport Sambo, while Combat Sambo bouts will not feature repechage rounds.
Nigeria’s Sambo Association President Loveth Howell and Vice President Sheriff Hammed are also expected to attend the World Congress during the championships, championing Nigeria’s growing presence in the sport.
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