Sanwo-Olu hails blind sambist Suleimon on historic gold

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated Rukayat Suleimon for becoming the first female blind sambist in the world to win a gold medal at the World Sambo Cup held in Yerevan, Armenia.

Suleimon, alongside compatriot Elizabeth Aseso, was among the pioneering group of female blind sambists to compete in an international tournament organised by the International Sambo Federation. Competing in the women’s -54kg category, Suleimon defied the odds to claim gold, defeating opponents from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

The Lagos State judo champion was making her international debut and stunned Kazakhstan’s Abdinazarova Elnara with a narrow 12–10 victory in her opening bout. She then faced Uzbekistan’s highly rated Ortikova Charos in the final, where she overcame an early scare to seal a dominant 13–2 win.

The triumph marks her as the first Nigerian and African to win gold at an international sambo event, as well as the first female blind sambist globally to achieve the feat.

In a statement signed by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu praised Suleimon for etching her name in sporting history and making Lagos and Nigeria proud.

“The record set by Rukayat Suleimon is commendable and shows the world what Nigerian excellence looks like. Winning a gold medal on an international debut is no small feat. The success is a result of Suleimon’s preparedness, determination and commitment,” the statement read.

“She is an inspiration and role model for young girls across Nigeria who dream big.

We are so proud of her.”

Her success continues Nigeria’s remarkable breakthroughs in blind sambo. In 2024, Samuel Oladele Kekere became the first Nigerian and African blind sambist to compete at the World Cup, followed by Sodiq Ajibade’s bronze medal in 2025. Suleimon’s gold further elevates Nigeria’s profile on the global stage.