Nigeria’s team presents a squad for the 23rd African Fencing Championship

The Fencing Federation of Nigeria has announced a team of 12 members for the 23 African fencing championships, scheduled to take place at Charterhouse Lagos from June 25 to 29, 2025.

This brand only the third time that the continental tournament will be organized in Sub -Saharan Africa, after previous editions in Senegal (2002) and Mali (2009, 2019).

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Leading the Nigerian team is Inkosi Bru, based in the USA, the first Nigerian wrathful to win a medal in an international event.

Brou, who recently assured bronze in the 2025 African Junior Championship in Angola, brings valuable experience to the team despite being only 17 years old.

He has competed in several international tournaments this year as part of his trip to the classification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

In particular, he is the grandson of the late general director of Nafdac, Professor Dora Akunyili.

It joins Brou is oluwaFolayemi Akinyosoye, based in the United Kingdom, along with local talent, including Okanlawon wisdom; Brothers Mahatir and Mahadi Idongesit, Olumuyiwa IgE, Oritsematatosan Egbesemirone, Alex Chizim Aninyei and Babade Adegbola.

The female squad presents Peluola Akinbamiro, Somto Eribenne, Sara Idongesit and Adebodunrin Thomas.

The Nigeria team will compete in individual and team events in the three fencing disciplines: Foil, Epee and Know.

The national coach Ibrahim Alogba expressed his confidence in the youth team, pointing out his potential to surprise more experienced opponents. “Our team is the youngest in terms of age and experience, which reduces pressure on them. This could work in our favor. We can be young, but we are not intimidated by records or reputations. We are ready to break the drought of Nigeria medals in this tournament,” he said.

Italian coach Riccardo Bardin, who has been training the team since his arrival a week ago, also praised the potential of athletes, but urged patience as they continue to develop.

In addition to the Nigeria host nation, other participating countries include Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Republic of Benin, Côte d’IVoria, Algeria, Senegal, Mauricio, Angola, Rwanda, Niger, South Africa, Guina, Libya, Burkina Faso and Cape Vero. The tournament will have 12 events composed of six individual events and six teams in fail, EPEE and know

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