Rukayat Taiwo and Elizabeth Aseso become first African women to compete in Blind SAMBO at the World Cup, aiming for podium finish in Yerevan 2026.

Ahead of the 2026 World SAMBO Cup scheduled for April 11–12 in Yerevan, Armenia, two Nigerian visually impaired athletes, Rukayat Taiwo and Elizabeth Aseso, are poised to make history as the first African women to compete in Blind SAMBO at the prestigious tournament.

Taiwo, a Lagos State champion, will compete in the 54kg category, while Aseso will battle in the 59kg division. The competition will take place at the Gazprom Training and Sports Complex.

Speaking on the significance of the milestone, Vice President of the Nigeria Sambo Association, Sherif Hammed, described the development as another bold step in Nigeria’s pioneering journey in the sport.

“Since our debut in 2024, Nigeria has been at the forefront of Blind SAMBO, which is gaining global recognition, particularly within the Olympic community,” Hammed said.

“We are set to become the first African nation to feature in female Blind SAMBO at the World Cup, and we are hopeful of making history with medals.”

Hammed noted that his commitment to the athletes is rooted in a deep belief in the transformative power of sport.

Ahead of the competition, Taiwo expressed confidence in her preparation and readiness.

“I am fully prepared for this challenge, and I am proud to be part of history for Nigeria and Africa as a whole,” she said.

Hammed further emphasized that sport remains a powerful tool for empowerment and inclusion, adding that every athlete, regardless of circumstance, has untapped potential waiting to be realized.

It will be recalled that Samuel Kekere became the first Nigerian and African blind sambist to compete at the 2024 World Cup, while Sodiq Ajibade secured the continent’s first medal — a bronze — at the 2025 edition.

The 2026 World SAMBO Cup will feature three disciplines: Sport SAMBO, Combat SAMBO, and Blind SAMBO. Classification for visually impaired athletes will begin on April 9.