Team Nigeria's four-member contingent at the 13th African Games in Ghana's Sambo event secured impressive results, bagging one gold, one silver, and one bronze medal. Sambo, listed among the demonstration sports in the Games, saw Nigeria compete against several African nations including Algeria, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Egypt, and hosts Ghana.
James Chegwam clinched the first bronze medal for Nigeria in the men’s 58kg category, while Jonah Kajido narrowly missed a podium finish in the men’s 79kg, losing to his Moroccan opponent. However, Charity Jatau's flawless performance earned Nigeria its first gold medal as she defeated her Egyptian opponent in the women’s 59kg category. Fatima Ogbonyomi secured the silver medal in the women’s 65kg category.
Vice President of the Sambo Association of Nigeria, Sheriff Hammed, expressed delight in the athletes' performance, noting it as a testament to Nigeria's potential in the sport. He emphasized the need for continued promotion and growth of Sambo in Nigeria, believing that these medals would serve as motivation for further development. Hammed also expressed hope that Sambo would be officially recognized by the African Games organizers in future editions and considered for inclusion in the International Olympic Committee's roster.
