Chairman Lagos State Judo Association and Vice President Sambo Federation of Nigeria Sheriff Hammed talks about Nigeria’s groundbreaking achievements in Sambo, being Africa’s first in Blind Sambo, crucial issues in Nigerian sports administration and more in this interview with PETER AKINBO
Nigeria is the first African country to participate in Sambo for the blind. What inspired this pioneering move, and what was required to implement blind Sambo training in Nigeria?
We were driven by our commitment to inclusive sports and recognizing the potential of athletes with disabilities. Implementation required partnerships with the International Sambo Federation for training resources and technical guidance. We trained coaches to adapt traditional techniques for blind athletes, introduced tactile mats, and developed clear communication methods. We also collaborated with schools for the blind and disability organisations to recruit athletes and raise awareness.
Having achieved significant success in your first year, including medals at major championships, what do you believe are the key factors that enabled such rapid progress for Nigerian Sambo?
Our success came from strategic planning and leveraging Nigeria’s existing combat sports culture. Combat Sambo’s similarity to MMA helped attract skilled athletes. The development of female athletes was crucial, with our female sambists winning African and world Beach Sambo championships. Regular international competition exposure helped our athletes adapt quickly to high-level competition.
How has your experience as Chairman of Lagos Judo, particularly the “Judo that Works” campaign, influenced your approach to developing Sambo in Nigeria?
The “Judo that Works” campaign taught us the importance of grassroots activation and community engagement. We’ve applied this to Sambo by introducing it in schools and creating affordable local clubs. The campaign’s emphasis on women’s empowerment influenced our focus on female sambists. We also promote Sambo as both a competitive sport and recreational activity.
Can you share specific details about how you work to manage and develop Sambo in Nigeria?
We focus on three main disciplines: Sport Sambo, Combat Sambo, and Beach Sambo. We’ve partnered with schools to create talent pipelines and promote Sambo as a self-defense and fitness activity. Partnerships with FIAS provide technical expertise, while local government collaborations help with facilities and community events.
With Nigeria’s impressive medal haul in 2024, including gold medals in international competitions, how do you plan to sustain and build upon this momentum?
We’re strengthening Combat Sambo through more national competitions and talent identification programs. Our female athletes’ successes serve as powerful examples, so we’re introducing mentorship programs. We’re also expanding Sambo into more schools and universities to build a broader participant base.
How do you plan to use Sambo as a recreational tool to promote the sport, particularly Blind Sambo, in Nigeria and Africa?
We’re organising inclusive sports festivals where visually impaired athletes can showcase their skills alongside sighted athletes. We’ve introduced programs in schools and community centers focusing on self-defense and fitness benefits. This approach makes Sambo accessible to people of all ages and abilities.
The sports scene has a new setup with the Nigeria Sports Commission, what do you think of this?
It feels like a step in the right direction, especially with the constitutional power behind the NSC. However, policies are only as effective as the people driving them. We need to focus on the vision for Nigerian sports, especially considering our youth population and socio-economic challenges. The commission’s success depends more on its response to these issues than its name.
Following Nigeria’s failure at the Paris Olympics, what are steps you think must be taken to improve our general output?
The Olympics requires years of preparation, not just showing up hoping to win. We need sincerity in our approach. Rather than spending N9bn on poor preparation, we should invest in a five to 10 year plan focusing on grassroots sports, infrastructure, welfare, and capacity development. Without accepting where we truly stand, improvement at the next Olympics is unlikely.
What do you think about the progress of sports generally in Nigeria?
The shift to the National Sports Commission is promising, but we need to address infrastructure gaps and athlete welfare. Sports must evolve beyond just competition to become a catalyst for change. We should focus on making sports accessible to all, using it to promote inclusivity, combat crime, and improve health. This comprehensive approach will naturally drive talent development.
What initiatives are you planning to increase female participation in Sambo?
We’re implementing female-only training sessions, establishing partnerships with women’s organisations, and offering scholarship programs. By highlighting our champions’ achievements, we’re showing women they can excel in this sport. Our goal is to create an environment where women thrive at all levels.
How do you balance the development of different Sambo disciplines while working with limited resources?
We prioritise Combat Sambo for its broad appeal while maintaining investment in Blind Sambo. We share facilities and coaching staff across disciplines and leverage partnerships for additional support. Regular competitions ensure athletes in each discipline can develop their skills.
Could you elaborate on the specific challenges of introducing a new combat sport in Nigeria, particularly in terms of athlete recruitment and retention?
Limited awareness and competition from established sports are our main challenges. We organise demonstration events in schools and public spaces to showcase Sambo. To retain athletes, we provide regular competitions, mentorship, and international exposure opportunities. Success stories of our champions help motivate new participants.
What role do you see Nigerian Sambo playing in the broader African Sambo community over the next few years?
As the first African country in Blind Sambo, we aim to lead by example. We’ll host regional training camps and competitions to share expertise with other African nations. Our vision is to serve as a hub for Sambo development across the continent.
With the success in international competitions, what specific support would be most beneficial from the Nigerian government to further develop Sambo?
We need increased funding for training programs, facilities, and international travel. Government support for grassroots initiatives and recognition of Sambo as a priority sport would help secure additional resources and sponsorships.
Could you share your vision for creating a sustainable pathway for young athletes to progress from grassroots to international level in Nigerian Sambo?
We start with school and community programs teaching fundamentals. Athletes then move to regional and national training centers for specialised coaching. Regular tournaments provide competitive experience, while mentorship programs guide their development. Scholarships help promising athletes overcome financial challenges.
How do you plan to leverage Nigeria’s position as the first African country in Blind Sambo to promote inclusive sports development across the continent?
We’ll organise regional workshops to share our experience in establishing Blind Sambo programs. Through demonstration matches and tournaments, we’ll showcase the sport’s potential. Working with disability advocacy groups will help secure funding for inclusive programs across Africa.
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