Nigeria’s fencers are set for a major test at the 2026 African Senior Fencing Championships in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from Sunday to Thursday.
The International Fencing Federation-sanctioned event 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.
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.
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.
“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,” he said.
The coach noted that the championship offered another opportunity for Nigerian fencers 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,” he said.
Alogba added that the team was determined to make Nigeria proud at the event.
“Our goal is to compete strongly, improve our rankings and continue showing that Nigerian fencing is growing.
“Every competition like this is important for the athletes and for the development of the sport in the country,” he said.
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 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.
The tournament is expected to deliver intense contests as athletes battle for medals and valuable continental ranking points.
For Nigeria, the event presents another opportunity to showcase emerging talent and strengthen its position in African fencing.