Nigeria will make its second appearance at the 2025 World Sambo Championships, scheduled for November 7–9 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The championships, organized by the Fédération Internationale de Sambo (FIAS), feature Sport Sambo, Combat Sambo, and Blind Sambo (SVI1 category).

Representing Nigeria are:

• Fatai Balogun – Men’s 88kg Combat Sambo
• Samuel Kekere – Men’s 64kg Blind Sambo, returning after making history in 2024 as the first African to compete in Blind Sambo at the World Championships
• Sodiq Ajibade – Men’s 98kg Blind Sambo, making his global debut

Kekere expressed excitement for his second outing and praised FIAS for their support, while also acknowledging Sheriff Hammed, Vice President and General Secretary of the Sambo Association of Nigeria, for facilitating the team’s participation.

The three-day championship will see top sambists from around the world compete. Key details include:

• Prize fund: $341,000, equally distributed across disciplines
  • Gold: $4,000
  • Silver: $3,000
  • Bronze: $2,000
• Competition format:
  • Sport Sambo: grouped with repechage from finalists
  • Combat Sambo: contested without repechage

Also attending will be Loveth Howell, President of the Sambo Association of Nigeria, alongside Sheriff Hammed, who will participate in the World Congress.

Nigeria will be hoping for strong performances, especially in Blind Sambo, where Kekere has already set a continental milestone.