Nigeria fencers face tough test in Abidjan
Nigeria’s fencers are set for a major test at the 2026 African Senior Fencing Championships in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The International Fencing Federation-sanctioned event which started on Sunday, May 31, will feature Africa’s leading fencers competing in individual and team contests in epee, sabre and foil. National coach, Ibrahim Alogba, said on Sunday that Nigeria […]
Nigeria fencers face tough test in Abidjan
Nigeria’s fencers are set for a major test at the 2026 African Senior Fencing Championships in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The International Fencing Federation-sanctioned event which started on Sunday, May 31, will feature Africa’s leading fencers competing in individual and team contests in epee, sabre and foil.
National coach, Ibrahim Alogba, said on Sunday that Nigeria would be represented by a blend of young talents and experienced athletes.
In the men’s sabre event, Brou Inkosi, Phoenix Olen and Oluwafolayemi Akinyosoye will spearhead Nigeria’s challenge in a highly competitive field.
According to Alogba, the trio will face formidable opponents, including Tunisia’s Fares Ferjani and Egypt’s Ahmed Hesham.
Akinyosoye, ranked 65th in the world, enters the competition as Nigeria’s highest-ranked athlete.
Inkosi, ranked 106th globally, will make his second appearance at the senior championships.
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.
Adebodunrin Thomas will compete in the women’s individual epee event as Nigeria’s sole female athlete at the championships.
Nigeria’s men’s epee team will also participate in the team event as the country targets honours in Abidjan.
Alogba expressed confidence in the squad, saying the athletes remained focused and determined to perform strongly.
Other countries joining Nigeria at the tournament are Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Niger, Benin, Kenya, Guinea and Mali.
Others are Senegal, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Angola, Togo and hosts Côte d’Ivoire. (NAN).