Egypt strikes first gold as Nigerian rising stars shine at fencing tourney

The 23rd African Fencing Championships began with flair and fierce competition on Wednesday, June 25, at Charterhouse Lagos, with top African nations displaying their dominance in the sport. Egypt claimed the tournament’s first gold medal, reaffirming their reputation as a continental fencing powerhouse.

Team Nigeria made an encouraging start, with young prospects Wisdom Okanlawon and siblings Mahadi and Mahathir Idongesit advancing to the knockout stages of the Men’s Individual Épée event. The trio showed resilience and skill, holding their own against experienced opponents in the preliminaries.

Veteran fencer Adegbola Babade, the oldest member of the Nigerian squad, also progressed to the round of 32, bringing valuable experience to the team. However, all Nigerian contenders were eventually eliminated in the knockout rounds by more seasoned rivals.

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Mahathir Idongesit, who put up a strong fight before narrowly losing to World Junior Champion Mahmoud El-Sayed in the round of 32, expressed optimism about his experience. “I’m thrilled to have fenced against one of the best in the world. It was a close contest, and I enjoyed every moment. This experience has boosted my confidence and will stay with me for a long time,” he said.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, commended the Nigeria Fencing Federation and the International Fencing Federation (FIE) for selecting Nigeria to host the prestigious event. “This glorious competition, featuring nations such as Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Benin Republic, Ivory Coast, and Senegal, brings together over 26 countries and more than 200 athletes in a spectacular display of skill and sportsmanship,” Fatodu stated. “I welcome you all to Nigeria, the most populous Black nation in the world, and to Lagos, a city known for its vibrant aquatic beauty and dynamic spirit.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu also emphasized the broader significance of fencing beyond the competition. “This championship opens the door to vital conversations about how fencing can serve as a powerful tool for social good. The Nigerian Fencing Federation and FIE are exploring a strategic partnership with UNICEF to use fencing for youth empowerment, child protection, and poverty alleviation, while creating economic opportunities for our athletes.”