The Nigeria Fencing Federation has unveiled a 12-member squad for the 23rd African Fencing Championships, set to be held at Charterhouse Lagos from June 25 to 29, 2025.
This year’s edition marks only the third time the prestigious tournament will be staged in Sub-Saharan Africa, following previous hostings in Senegal (2002) and Mali (2009, 2019).
Leading Nigeria’s charge is U.S.-based rising star Inkosi Brou, the country’s first international fencing medallist.
The 17-year-old made history earlier this year by winning bronze at the African Junior Championships in Angola and has been steadily competing on the global stage in pursuit of qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Brou is also the grandson of the late NAFDAC DG, Prof. Dora Akunyili.
Also on the team is UK-based Oluwafolayemi Akinyosoye, joined by local talents including Wisdom Okanlawon, Mahatir and Mahadi Idongesit, Olumuyiwa Ige, Oritsematosan Egbesemirone, Alex Chizim Aninyei, and Babade Adegbola.
The women’s squad comprises Peluola Akinbamiro, Somto Eribenne, Sara Idongesit, and Adebodunrin Thomas.
Team Nigeria will compete in both individual and team events across the three fencing disciplines: foil, epee, and sabre.
National coach Ibrahim Alogba expressed confidence in the team’s youthful composition.
“We may be the youngest team, but that reduces the pressure. We are not here to be intimidated; we are here to end Nigeria’s medal drought.”
Italian coach Riccardo Bardin, who joined the team a week ago to oversee final preparations, praised the athletes’ commitment and urged patience as they continue to grow in experience and technique.
In addition to Nigeria, other competing nations include Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Kenya, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Angola, Rwanda, Mauritius, Benin Republic, Niger, Guinea, Libya, Burkina Faso, and Cape Verde.
The 2025 African Fencing Championships will feature 12 medal events: six individual and six team events across all three disciplines.
