SPORTS
Nigerian Blind Sambists Set for Historic Debut at World Cup in Armenia
Nigeria’s female blind sambists, Rukayat Taiwo and Elizabeth Aseso, departed Lagos on Wednesday aboard Turkish Airlines for their World Cup debut in Yerevan, Armenia.
The April 11–12 competition marks the first time Africa will field female blind sambists at a world title tournament.
Led by Coach Sherifat Akintunde, the team will compete in Blind Sambo alongside Sport Sambo and Combat Sambo.
Their participation underscores growing inclusivity in the sport and Nigeria’s pioneering role in expanding opportunities for athletes with disabilities.
The feat builds on earlier milestones. In 2024, Samuel Oladele Kekere became the first Nigerian and African blind sambist at the World Cup.
In 2025, Sodiq Ajibade secured Africa’s first medal, winning bronze at the tournament.
Taiwo, a Lagos State champion in the 54kg category, and Aseso, competing in the 59kg division, carry Nigeria’s hopes onto the global stage.
Nigeria Sambo Association Vice-President, Sherif Hammed, described the moment as historic and a key milestone for the sport’s growth and recognition.
“It will inspire a new generation of athletes to embrace sambo and strengthen Nigeria’s presence on the global stage,” he said.
He added that Nigeria’s inclusiveness drive extends beyond medals to supporting sambo’s bid for inclusion at the 2028 Olympic Games.
“This is another milestone, introducing the first female athletes not just in Nigeria but across Africa. It is huge for Lagos, Nigeria and the continent,” he said.
Taiwo described the debut as deeply personal, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to represent Nigeria internationally.
“I thank God for the grace to represent Nigeria at international events. I believe God will crown my efforts, and I will return with gold,” she said.
Supporters have also expressed optimism, describing the athletes’ participation as a proud moment for Nigeria.
The excitement is shared by supporters like Titilola Osho, Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State governor on public works.
She described the appearance as a proud moment for Nigeria. “I feel very optimistic. They are ready, and I believe we will win gold medals this time.
“Special athletes need more support, and I hope this inspires Nigerians to rally behind them,” Osho added.
The 2026 World Cup will be held at the Gazprom Training and Sports Complex in Yerevan, a venue meeting international standards.
Organisers emphasised preparation for visually impaired athletes, with classification scheduled to begin on Thursday.
Beyond competition, the event aims to strengthen sporting ties, improve rankings, and advance sambo’s Olympic ambitions.
English and Italian football giants Manchester City, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Juventus will square up for pre-season friendlies in Hong Kong in August, the clubs announced yesterday.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, currently arm-wrestling Arsenal for the Premier League title, will take on Inter Milan on Saturday, August 1, spearheaded by their Norwegian goal machine Erling Haaland.
The match will kick off the “Hong Kong Football Festival” at the city’s futuristic 50,000-seat Kai Tak stadium.
The gleaming arena opened a year ago, featuring a roof that can be closed and air-conditioning to combat the fierce summer heat and humidity in Hong Kong.
Chelsea will play Juventus on Wednesday August 5 to round off the mini-tournament.
Lagos State will host the second edition of the National School Volleyball Championships from April 21 to April 24 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium.
President of the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), Olabisi Joseph, said in a statement on Monday that schools from across the country had converged for the four-day tournament.
She said the competition meant for secondary schools is organised by the NSSF in collaboration with the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), with support from the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC).
Joseph said the annual tournament aims to develop volleyball in the school system and identify outstanding athletes who will represent Nigeria at the International School Sport Federation (ISF) events.
She expressed delight at the growing interest among schools nationwide and urged participants to be worthy ambassadors of their institutions.
“In Nigeria, we are blessed with an abundance of talent in the school system.
“Volleyball, being one of the popular sports in schools, has ignited healthy rivalry among students.
“Sports stimulates learning, so we are building a total child through events like this,” she said.
Joseph added that standout athletes from the Lagos championship would be shortlisted to compete at the ISF World School Volleyball Championship in China.
She described the event as a unique opportunity for young players to showcase their skills before global scouts.
“Teams from Lagos, Osun, Rivers, Bayelsa, Adamawa, Ogun, Taraba, Bauchi and other states are competing for honours, with NVBF technical officials on ground to scout for talent.”
The maiden edition of the National School Volleyball Championships was held in Abuja, where host teams won both the boys’ and girls’ categories.
Outstanding players from the FCT, Plateau and Kaduna states later represented Nigeria at the 2025 ISF World School Volleyball Championships in China.
The World School Volleyball Championship is scheduled to be held from July 1 to July 10 in China.
Guinea will face Nigeria’s Flamingos in the final qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The Guineans defeated Niger Republic 3-0 in the second leg of their qualifying fixture in Conakry on Saturday.
They won the contest 8-2 on aggregate, following their 5-2 triumph in the first leg last week.
The winner of the Flamingos versus Guinea clash will qualify for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The Flamingos set up camp in Abuja for the clash with their fellow West Africans last week.
Newly appointed head coach, Akeem Busari invited 36 players to camp for the team’s preparation.
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