Nigeria's Blind Sambists to Debut at World Cup 2026

Rukayat Taiwo and Elizabeth Aceso are preparing to represent Nigeria at the World Sambo Cup in Yerevan, Armenia, scheduled for April 11-12, 2026. They will be the first African women to compete in this event, highlighting Nigeria's pioneering journey in blind sambo.

Taiwo, the Lagos State champion, will compete in the 54 kg category, while Aceso will participate in the 59 kg category. Sherif Ham, Vice President of the Nigeria Sambo Association, has hailed this as a significant milestone for Nigeria, which aims to gain global recognition in blind sambo, particularly within the Olympic community.

The 2026 World Cup will feature three disciplines of sambo, with competitions across seven weight categories for men and women. The event will take place at the Gazprom Train Sport Complex, a modern venue meeting international standards.

This initiative not only aims to enhance the athletes' rankings but also to advance sambo's bid for Olympic inclusion.