The Nigerian Fencing Federation has embarked on an ambitious journey to elevate the sport to new heights in the country, culminating in their hosting of the 2025 African Fencing Championships in Lagos from June 25th to 29th. This prestigious event, held at Charterhouse Lagos, the same venue that hosted Nigeria’s inaugural Fencing World Cup in 2024, marks a significant milestone in the nation’s fencing history. Twelve Nigerian fencers have commenced an intensive training camp under the tutelage of Italian coach Riccardo Bardine, a key component of a four-year partnership between the Nigerian and Italian Fencing Federations. This collaboration aims to inject international expertise and best practices into Nigerian fencing, bolstering the athletes’ skills and fostering a culture of high performance.
The Nigerian team, a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, represents the nation’s aspirations for success on the African stage. Leading the charge is Inkosi Brou, Nigeria’s top-ranked fencer, whose experience and prowess will be crucial in guiding the team’s performance. Alongside Brou are Peluola Akinbamiro, a rising star honing her skills in the United States, and Wisdom Okanlawon, a promising homegrown talent showcasing the depth of Nigerian fencing. The athletes are undergoing rigorous training at the Lagos Fencing Club in Lekki, focusing on refining their techniques, improving their physical conditioning, and developing the mental fortitude required to compete at the highest level. The presence of Coach Bardine adds a valuable dimension to their preparation, introducing new training methodologies and tactical insights derived from the rich Italian fencing tradition.
The 2025 African Fencing Championships are poised to be a spectacle of skill and athleticism, drawing participation from 26 African nations and over 200 athletes. This continental gathering serves as a platform for athletes to showcase their abilities, compete against the best in Africa, and earn valuable ranking points. For Nigeria, the championships represent not only a chance to win medals but also to demonstrate the nation’s growing prominence in the fencing world. Hosting the event on home soil adds an extra layer of significance, providing Nigerian fencers with the electrifying support of their home crowd and the opportunity to inspire a new generation of aspiring fencers.
The Nigerian Fencing Federation has left no stone unturned in its preparations for the championships, implementing a comprehensive strategy to ensure the athletes are optimally prepared. This includes a focus on coach development, increased international exposure for the athletes, and the implementation of high-performance training camps. The federation has also prioritized the athletes’ overall well-being, providing targeted support in nutrition, conditioning, and mental preparation. The athletes understand the magnitude of the event and are determined to not only achieve individual success but also leave a lasting legacy for Nigerian fencing.
Adding to the excitement and prestige of the championships is the confirmed participation of some of the world’s top-ranked fencers. Among them is Egypt’s Mohamed El-Sayed, the reigning world number one and silver medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. El-Sayed’s presence elevates the competition’s profile and provides African fencers with a unique opportunity to test their skills against a global elite athlete. Further bolstering the Egyptian team is Mahmoud El-Sayed, Mohamed’s younger brother and the reigning Junior World Champion, who will be eager to make his mark on the senior circuit. The participation of such high-caliber athletes underscores the growing importance of the African Fencing Championships and its role in shaping the future of the sport.
The Nigerian Fencing Federation, led by its president, Adeyinka Samuel, exudes confidence in the team’s preparedness and their ability to make a significant impact at the championships. Samuel emphasizes the meticulous preparation undertaken, highlighting the strategic partnership with the Italian Fencing Federation, the joint training camps with other African nations, and the comprehensive support provided to the athletes. He sees the championships as a pivotal moment for Nigerian fencing, an opportunity to not only secure medals but also to ignite a passion for the sport among young Nigerians and solidify the nation’s position on the African fencing map. The stage is set for an enthralling competition, a celebration of fencing talent, and a testament to the dedication and hard work of the Nigerian Fencing Federation in fostering the growth of the sport within the country.
