The Nigeria Fencing Federation has unveiled a 12-member squad for the twenty third African Fencing Championships, set to be held at Charterhouse Lagos from June 25 to 29, 2025.
This yr’s version marks solely the third time the distinguished event will probably be staged in Sub-Saharan Africa, following earlier hostings in Senegal (2002) and Mali (2009, 2019).
Main Nigeria’s cost is U.S.-based rising star Inkosi Brou, the nation’s first worldwide fencing medallist.
The 17-year-old made historical past earlier this yr by profitable bronze on the African Junior Championships in Angola and has been steadily competing on the worldwide stage in pursuit of qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Video games. Brou can also be the grandson of the late NAFDAC DG, Prof. Dora Akunyili.
Additionally on the group is UK-based Oluwafolayemi Akinyosoye, joined by native skills together with Knowledge Okanlawon, Mahatir and Mahadi Idongesit, Olumuyiwa Ige, Oritsematosan Egbesemirone, Alex Chizim Aninyei, and Babade Adegbola.
The ladies’s squad includes Peluola Akinbamiro, Somto Eribenne, Sara Idongesit, and Adebodunrin Thomas.
Group Nigeria will compete in each particular person and group occasions throughout the three fencing disciplines: foil, epee, and sabre.
Nationwide coach Ibrahim Alogba expressed confidence within the group’s youthful composition.
“We often is the youngest group, however that reduces the strain. We’re not right here to be intimidated; we’re right here to finish Nigeria’s medal drought.”
Italian coach Riccardo Bardin, who joined the group per week in the past to supervise last preparations, praised the athletes’ dedication and urged endurance as they proceed to develop in expertise and method.
Along with Nigeria, different competing nations embody 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 function 12 medal occasions: six particular person and 6 group occasions throughout all three disciplines.
