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The Nigerian fencing team is set to compete at the 2026 African Senior Fencing Championships in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The tournament will feature Africa’s leading fencers competing in individual and team events in epee, sabre, and foil.
Nigeria’s fencing coach, Ibrahim Alogba, said on Sunday that the country would be represented by a blend of young talents and experienced athletes.
Brou Inkosi, Phoenix Olen, and Oluwafolayemi Akinyosoye will spearhead Nigeria’s challenge in the men’s sabre event.
The coach said the trio will face Tunisia’s Fares Ferjani, Egypt’s Ahmed Hesham, and other formidable opponents.
Akinyosoye, ranked 65th in the world, enters the competition as Nigeria’s highest-ranked athlete. He was also the country’s best-performing fencer at the 2025 championships held in Lagos.
Inkosi, ranked 106th globally, will make his second appearance at the senior championships, while Olen will be making his debut at the continental competition.
In the men’s epee category, Diekolola Johnson and Leonard Chizim Aninyei will represent Nigeria, while Adebodunrin Thomas will compete in the women’s individual epee event as Nigeria’s sole female athlete at the championships.
The coach expressed confidence in the squad, saying the athletes remain focused and determined to perform strongly.
“We are in Abidjan with a team that has both young talents and experienced athletes. The players have prepared well and are ready for the challenge ahead,” said Alogba.
He added that the championship offers Nigerian fencers another opportunity to gain valuable exposure and improve their continental standing.
“We know the competition will be tough because the best fencers on the continent will be there. But we are confident in our preparations and believe our athletes can make their presence felt,” Alogba added.
The championship is expected to feature some of Africa’s leading stars, including Kenya’s Alexandra Ndolo and Egypt’s Mohamed Elsayed and Mohamed Hamza.
Other countries participating in the tournament include Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Niger, Benin, Kenya, Guinea, and Mali.
Also competing are Senegal, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Angola, Togo, and hosts Côte d’Ivoire.
