The Nigeria Fencing Federation has announced a 12-member squad set to compete at the 23rd African Fencing Championships, taking place at Charterhouse in Lagos from 25 to 29 June 2025.
This tournament marks just the third occasion that the continental event has been hosted in Sub-Saharan Africa, following previous editions held in Senegal (2002) and Mali (2009 and 2019).
Leading the Nigerian team is U.S.-based fencer Inkosi Brou, who made history by becoming the first Nigerian to win a medal at an international event. Brou, only 17 years old, recently earned a bronze medal at the 2025 African Junior Championships in Angola, showcasing his wealth of experience despite his youth.
He has participated in numerous international tournaments this year as part of his preparation for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Brou is also the grandson of the late Prof. Dora Akunyili, former Director General of NAFDAC.
Joining Brou in the squad is UK-based Oluwafolayemi Akinyosoye, along with talented homegrown fencers including Wisdom Okanlawon, siblings Mahatir and Mahadi Idongesit, Olumuyiwa Ige, Oritsematosan Egbesemirone, Alex Chizim Aninyei, and Babade Adegbola.
The women’s squad features Peluola Akinbamiro, Somto Eribenne, Sara Idongesit, and Adebodunrin Thomas.
Team Nigeria will participate in both individual and team events across three fencing disciplines: foil, épée, and sabre.
National coach Ibrahim Alogba expressed optimism about the youthful team, highlighting their potential to surprise more experienced competitors. “Our team is the youngest in terms of age and experience, which could alleviate pressure. This might work in our favour. Although we are young, we are not intimidated by records or reputations. We are ready to end Nigeria’s medal drought in this tournament,” he stated.
Italian coach Riccardo Bardin, who has been training the team since arriving a week ago, also praised the athletes’ potential but emphasised the need for patience as they continue to grow.
In addition to host nation Nigeria, competing countries include Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Benin Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Algeria, Senegal, Mauritius, Angola, Rwanda, Niger, South Africa, Guinea, Libya, Burkina Faso, and Cape Verde. The tournament will feature a total of 12 events comprising six individual and six team events across the foil, épée, and sabre categories.
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