Nigeria Announces Fencing Squad for African Championships
The Nigeria Fencing Federation has officially announced its 12-member team for the 23rd African Fencing Championships , set to take place from June 25–29, 2025 , at Charterhouse Lagos .
This marks only the third time the event will be hosted in Sub-Saharan Africa , after Senegal (2002) and Mali (2009, 2019) .
The tournament will feature six individual and six team events across three disciplines: foil, epee, and sabre .
Inkosi Brou Leads Young Nigerian Squad
Leading the Nigerian team is Inkosi Brou , a 17-year-old fencer based in the United States and the first Nigerian to win an international fencing medal .
Brou recently won bronze at the 2025 African Junior Championships in Angola , adding weight to his leadership role on the team.
He is also preparing for qualification trials for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics .
“Our team is young but fearless,” said national coach Ibrahim Alogba .
“We may not have the experience, but we are ready to break Nigeria’s long-standing medal drought.”
Brou is the grandson of the late NAFDAC Director General Prof. Dora Akunyili , making his inclusion even more symbolic.
UK-Based and Homegrown Talent Make the Cut
Other notable names in the squad include:
- Oluwafolayemi Akinyosoye (UK-based)
- Wisdom Okanlawon
- Mahatir and Mahadi Idongesit (fencing siblings)
- Olumuyiwa Ige
- Oritsematosan Egbesemirone
- Alex Chizim Aninyei
- Babade Adegbola
The women’s team includes:
- Peluola Akinbamiro
- Somto Eribenne
- Sara Idongesit
- Adebodunrin Thomas
They will compete in both individual and team categories across all three fencing styles.
Foreign Coach Praises Athletes’ Potential
Italian coach Riccardo Bardin , who arrived in Nigeria last week to train the team, praised the athletes’ determination and potential.
He urged patience as the sport continues to grow in the country.
“These athletes show promise. But we must support their development over time.”
His arrival signals increased investment in training and exposure for Nigerian fencers ahead of future continental and global competitions.
Countries Confirmed for Continental Showdown
The championship will see Nigeria compete against teams from:
- Tunisia
- Egypt
- Morocco
- Kenya
- Benin Republic
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Algeria
- Senegal
- Mauritius
- Angola
- Rwanda
- Niger
- South Africa
- Guinea
- Libya
- Burkina Faso
- Cape Verde
With strong representation from across the continent, the competition promises to be intense.
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