Team Nigeria Announces Rising Stars for Historic 2025 African Fencing Championships in Lagos

Nigeria Names Squad for 2025 African Fencing Championships as Lagos Hosts Landmark Edition

The Nigeria Fencing Federation has officially unveiled a 12-member national team poised to represent the country at the 23rd African Fencing Championships, scheduled to run from June 25 to 29, 2025, at the prestigious Charterhouse Lagos.

This edition marks a significant milestone—it’s only the third time in history that Sub-Saharan Africa is hosting the continental event, following past editions in Senegal (2002) and Mali (2009, 2019).

Inkosi Brou Wins Bronze for Nigeria at 2025 African Junior Fencing Championships

Leading the Charge: Inkosi Brou

All eyes will be on 17-year-old Inkosi Brou, the first Nigerian fencer to win a medal at an international competition. The U.S.-based prodigy recently bagged bronze at the 2025 African Junior Championships in Angola and has his sights firmly set on qualifying for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Brou, the grandson of the late NAFDAC DG Prof. Dora Akunyili, brings elite experience and global exposure to a youthful Nigerian squad.

Nigeria’s Young Blades

Joining Brou on this Olympic-driven journey are:

• Oluwafolayemi Akinyosoye (UK-based)

• Wisdom Okanlawon

• Brothers Mahatir and Mahadi Idongesit

• Olumuyiwa Ige

• Oritsematosan Egbesemirone

• Alex Chizim Aninyei

• Babade Adegbola

Team Nigeria Announces Rising Stars for Historic 2025 African Fencing Championships in Lagos

On the women’s roster:

• Peluola Akinbamiro

• Somto Eribenne

• Sara Idongesit

• Adebodunrin Thomas

Team Nigeria will compete across all three fencing disciplines—foil, epee, and sabre—in both individual and team events.

Coaching Confidence

National coach Ibrahim Alogba expressed optimism about the squad’s potential to make a major impact.

“We have the youngest team at the tournament. That means less pressure and more unpredictability. Our athletes are fearless—we’re here to break the jinx and make history.”

Italian coach Riccardo Bardin, who recently joined the camp, commended the squad’s spirit and promise, while emphasizing the need for steady development.

Continental Showdown in Lagos

The event will welcome fencing powerhouses from across Africa, including Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, and South Africa, along with Nigeria and 14 other nations, bringing together top talent for 12 events (six individual and six team competitions).

This year’s championship offers a unique chance for Nigeria to shine on home ground, while inspiring a new generation of fencers in a country where the sport is rapidly gaining ground.

Written by Boom RadioNG