In April 2026, Nigerian athlete Rukayat Taiwo Suleimon became the first female blind sambist in the world to win a gold medal at a major international tournament, according to a report by BBC Sport Africa.
The achievement marks a historic milestone for African sports and for athletes with visual impairments competing in sambo, a martial art and combat sport.
Suleimon's victory highlights her determination to make history for Africa despite losing her sight. The story was reported by Isaiah Akinremi from Lagos on November 6, 2026.
