The Nigerian Fencing Federation has assembled a youthful and ambitious 12-member squad to represent the nation at the 23rd African Fencing Championships, a prestigious continental tournament scheduled to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, from June 25th to 29th, 2025. This event marks a significant occasion for Nigeria, as it’s only the third time Sub-Saharan Africa has hosted the championships, following previous editions in Senegal and Mali. The team, a blend of international and homegrown talent, will compete across all three fencing disciplines – foil, epee, and sabre – in both individual and team events, aiming to break Nigeria’s medal drought at this level of competition.
Leading the charge for Nigeria is the rising star, 17-year-old Inkosi Brou, who trains in the United States. Brou brings a wealth of experience, having already achieved international recognition by securing a bronze medal at the 2025 African Junior Championships in Angola. His participation in numerous international tournaments throughout the year underscores his dedication to the sport and his long-term goal of qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Brou’s presence on the team serves as both inspiration and a benchmark for his fellow teammates, demonstrating the potential for Nigerian fencers to compete at the highest levels.
Adding further international flair to the squad is UK-based Oluwafolayemi Akinyosoye. Alongside these internationally trained athletes is a core of promising homegrown talent, including Wisdom Okanlawon, siblings Mahatir and Mahadi Idongesit, Olumuyiwa Ige, Oritsematosan Egbesemirone, Alex Chizim Aninyei, and Babade Adegbola, representing the men’s team. The women’s team is represented by Peluola Akinbamiro, who is making her debut appearance for Nigeria on home soil, Somto Eribenne, Sara Idongesit, and Adebodunrin Thomas. This mix of international experience and homegrown talent provides a dynamic balance within the squad, fostering an environment of shared learning and growth.
The Nigerian team, under the guidance of national coach Ibrahim Alogba and Italian coach Riccardo Bardin, enters the championships with a spirit of optimism and determination. Alogba acknowledges the relative youth and inexperience of the squad compared to some of their competitors but sees this as a potential advantage, reducing the pressure and allowing them to compete with a sense of freedom. He emphasizes the team’s unwavering belief in their abilities, stating their readiness to challenge established records and reputations, signifying a shift in mindset towards a more proactive and ambitious approach to competition.
Coach Bardin, who recently joined the team’s training camp, echoes Alogba’s sentiments, praising the athletes’ potential while also stressing the importance of patience in their development. His expertise adds a valuable dimension to the team’s preparation, providing technical insights and tactical guidance as they fine-tune their skills for the upcoming championships. This combination of local knowledge and international coaching experience is crucial for nurturing the team’s talent and maximizing their performance potential.
The 23rd African Fencing Championships promises to be a thrilling event, bringing together fencers from across the continent to compete for continental glory. The tournament, featuring 12 events – six individual and six team competitions across foil, epee, and sabre – will witness the participation of numerous nations, including Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Benin Republic, Ivory Coast, Algeria, Senegal, Mauritius, Angola, Rwanda, Niger, South Africa, Guinea, Libya, Burkina Faso, and Cape Verde, alongside the host nation, Nigeria. This diverse representation highlights the growing popularity and competitiveness of fencing across Africa. For Nigeria, the championships represent a significant opportunity to showcase their emerging talent on the international stage and demonstrate the progress being made in developing the sport within the country. The home advantage, coupled with the team’s youthful enthusiasm and determination, could provide the perfect platform for a breakthrough performance.
