Nigeria is preparing to make its inaugural appearance at the World Beach Sambo Championships, organized by the International Sambo Federation (FIAS) in Casablanca, Morocco. The event is scheduled to take place from September 7 to 8.
This opportunity follows a strong performance by Nigerian athletes at the 18th African Sambo Championship held in Cairo, Egypt, where they secured five medals. Despite the success, financial constraints limited the Sambo Association Nigeria (SAN) to funding only one athlete, Charity Jatau, for the global competition. Jatau, who is a gold medalist from both the African Games and World Championships, will represent Nigeria in Morocco.
Initially, Nigeria had planned to send three athletes—Jatau, Fatima Ogbonyomi, and James Chegwam—but budgetary issues restricted their participation. SAN President Loveth Howell expressed enthusiasm about Nigeria’s growing prominence in Sambo and the chance to showcase their talent on a world stage.
“We are excited that Nigeria is gaining recognition in Sambo across Africa. This invitation to the World Beach Sambo Championships in Morocco provides another platform for us to display our skills. We hope for a strong performance that will enhance the sport’s popularity in Nigeria,” Howell said.
SAN Vice President Sheriff Hammed also views the event as an opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate its potential. The athletes are currently training in Benin, Edo State, with the goal of making a significant impact at the championships, following their recent successes in Egypt and Ghana.
The World Beach Sambo Championships will be held on Ain Diab Beach, Casablanca, and will feature individual and team events across various weight categories: Men (58 kg, 71 kg, 88 kg, +88 kg), Women (50 kg, 59 kg, 72 kg, +72 kg), and Mixed Teams (Women: 72 kg, +72 kg; Men: 71 kg, 88 kg, +88 kg).
Nigeria’s debut at this prestigious event marks a notable milestone for the country’s Sambo athletes and represents a significant step forward for the sport’s development in Nigeria.
