A six-member squad representing Team Nigeria has departed for the 2025 World Junior and Cadet Fencing Championships in Wuxi, China, taking place from today, April 7th, to April 15th.
The contingent comprises four boys and two girls, led by 17-year-old Inkosi Brou, Nigeria’s highest-ranked fencer.
Brou, the grandson of a former Director General of NAFDAC, has already made history as the first Nigerian to medal at an international fencing event. He remains the country’s most active competitor, having participated in over five tournaments this year.
“My target is to make the top 16 in the Junior Men’s Sabre individual event, improve my FIE junior ranking, and perform better than I did last year in Saudi Arabia,” Brou said, eyeing the African Senior Championships in Lagos this June.
The squad also includes the Idongesit siblings, who are all making their international debut for Nigeria.
Eighteen-year-old Mahathir Idongesit is aiming for a strong start.
“My target in China is to make it to the top eight. I also hope to give my best, no matter the outcome.”
Fourteen-year-old Mahadi Idongesit is shooting for the podium.
“I want to finish among the top three. I’ll give it my all, regardless of who I face.”
Thirteen-year-old Sara Idongesit, meanwhile, is focused on gaining experience.
“I’m aiming for a top-16 finish. This is a valuable learning opportunity, and I’ll give it everything I’ve got.”
Peluola Akinbamiro, a 13-year-old US-based fencer who competed at the African Junior Championships in Angola earlier this year, also joins the team.
“I hope to make it to the top eight or higher. I’m looking forward to everything going smoothly.”
Team Nigeria will compete alongside other African nations, including Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, South Africa, Togo, and Tunisia, at the annual event organized by the International Fencing Federation (FIE).
The 2025 edition represents a crucial opportunity for these young Nigerian fencers to gain global exposure, boost international rankings, and prepare for bigger stages in the future.
