Nigeria has once again proven its prowess on the global stage as Charity Jatau secured the gold medal in the Women’s 50kg category at the World Beach Sambo Championships in Casablanca, Morocco. This marked Nigeria’s maiden appearance at the event.
The two-day tournament, which concluded on Sunday, September 8, saw teams and athletes from around the world competing in various events. Jatau, an African Games and Championship gold medalist, was unbeatable in her weight category, defeating competitors from Morocco, Kazakhstan, and Russia to claim the gold medal as Nigeria’s sole representative.
An elated Jatau described her victory as a reward for her hard work over the past few months and vowed to continue striving for excellence.
“I am so happy to be part of the tournament and I must thank the Sambo Association of Nigeria (SAN), led by its President Loveth Howells and Vice President Sheriff Hammed, for making it possible for me to be here. It was as if I would not be able to attend, but their support ensured Nigeria was represented in Morocco. It was not easy, but with determination and God’s grace, I triumphed. I hope my victory will inspire more athletes to embrace Sambo in Nigeria,” she said.
SAN President Loveth Howells emphasized that Nigeria’s participation in the tournament demonstrated the country’s readiness to embrace the sport, with ongoing efforts to popularize it further.
Vice President Sheriff Hammed praised the President’s commitment to the sport and pledged to continue encouraging more people to get involved.
He also mentioned that the world body is working to engage the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to consider Sambo as an Olympic event.
The Nigerian contingent received support from Titilola Oso, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor of Lagos State on Public Works, who was in Morocco to support the team and promised to help grow Sambo in Lagos.