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Nigeria will make a landmark appearance at the World Sambo Cup in Yerevan, Armenia, as two visually impaired female athletes, Rukayat Taiwo and Elizabeth Aseso, prepare to compete for the first time on the global stage.
The tournament is scheduled to hold from April 11 to 12, 2026, at the Gazprom Training and Sports Complex.
Taiwo, a Lagos State champion, will compete in the 54kg category, while Aseso will feature in the 59kg division, marking a significant milestone for Nigeria and Africa in blind Sambo.
Their participation represents the first time African women will compete in the specialised sport at the World Cup level, underscoring growing inclusion for athletes with disabilities in international combat sports.
Blind Sambo, a rapidly developing discipline, is designed for visually impaired athletes and emphasises close-contact, standing grappling techniques. Competitors rely on touch, balance, and tactical awareness to execute moves and counter opponents.
The sport is regulated by the International Sambo Federation (FIAS) and recognised by the International Paralympic Committee.
Taiwo and Aseso’s historic outing is expected to boost awareness and inspire more participation in disability sports across Nigeria and the continent.