Egypt Strikes Gold as Team Nigeria Shines Bright at 2025 African Fencing Championships in Lagos
Egypt Claims First Gold as Nigeria’s Young Fencers Impress at 2025 African Fencing Championships
The 23rd African Fencing Championships officially opened on Wednesday, June 25, with a spectacular display of talent at Charterhouse Lagos, Nigeria. Africa’s fencing elite gathered to contest continental supremacy, and Egypt wasted no time in stamping their authority by securing the tournament’s first gold medal.
Egyptian Champions Make Their Mark
World No. 1 Mohamed El-Sayed retained his title in the Men’s Individual Épée, edging out compatriot Mahmoud Had Mohsen in a razor-thin 11–10 final. El-Sayed breezed through the early rounds and narrowly escaped defeat in the semifinals against his brother, Mahmoud El-Sayed, with a thrilling 15–14 win.
In the Women’s Individual Foil, Sara Amr earned her first African championship title with a commanding 15–8 victory over Isabel Esteban of Côte d’Ivoire. Amr’s semifinal win over 2024 bronze medallist Noha Hany (15–13) solidified her dominant campaign.
Esteban, who had pulled off a major upset by eliminating top seed Malak Hamza of Egypt, finished with a silver medal after falling to Amr in the final.
“I focused on staying calm and taking each match as it came. It wasn’t easy, but I’m proud of how I handled the pressure,” Amr shared after her victory.
Team Nigeria’s Rising Stars Step Up
Team Nigeria’s Rising Stars Step Up
Despite not medaling, Team Nigeria’s performance turned heads, particularly in the Men’s Individual Épée, where local talents Wisdom Okanlawon, Mahadi Idongesit, and Mahathir Idongesit made it to the knockout rounds.
Veteran fencer Adegbola Babade, the oldest member of the squad, also reached the round of 32, showcasing Nigeria’s depth across generations.
Though eliminated by more seasoned opponents, the young athletes showed resilience and potential. Mahathir Idongesit, who lost a tight match to World Junior Champion Mohamed El-Sayed, remained optimistic:
“It was an incredible experience fencing against one of the world’s best. I’ve learned so much, and this will stay with me forever,” he said.
Lagos Welcomes Africa’s Finest
The tournament, which features over 200 athletes from 26 countries, was praised by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Lekan Fatodu, DG of the Lagos State Sports Commission.
“This glorious competition puts Lagos—and Nigeria—on the global fencing map. We’re honored to host this prestigious championship,” Fatodu stated.
Egyptian Champions Make Their Mark
Governor Sanwo-Olu also spotlighted the transformative power of fencing, announcing ongoing conversations between the Nigerian Fencing Federation, FIE, and UNICEF to use fencing as a tool for youth empowerment, poverty alleviation, and child protection.
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