African Fencing Champs Kick Off in Lagos

The race for medals got underway on Wednesday at the 2025 African Fencing
Championships in Lagos, as top athletes from across the continent gathered for the
prestigious event. Egypt, a dominant force in African fencing, quickly asserted its supremacy
by clinching the tournament’s first gold medal, setting the tone for what promises to be a
highly competitive championship.
The five-day tournament, now in its 23rd edition, is being hosted at Charterhouse Lagos and
features 150 fencers from 18 African countries. The championship opened with the men’s
epee and women’s foil individual events, both structured around fast-paced bouts where
competitors aim to score five hits within three minutes.
The competition marks a significant moment for fencing in Nigeria, as local athletes joined
the fray alongside seasoned international opponents. Their participation highlights the
growing interest and development of the sport within the country. As the championship
progresses, Nigerian fencers will look to make their mark and challenge the continent’s best
for podium finishes.
With more events scheduled over the coming days, including team and individual matches
across different fencing categories, the excitement is expected to build, drawing attention to
both emerging talents and seasoned champions across Africa.
Adegbola Babade, Wisdom Okanlawon, and brothers Mahadi and Mahathir Idongesit
successfully progressed through their pool rounds but were later knocked out in the men’s
individual event.
Mahathir, who put up a strong fight before narrowly losing to world junior champion
Mahmoud El-Sayed in the round of 32, stayed positive despite the defeat.
“I’m excited to have faced one of the world’s best fencers. It was a tight match, and I truly
enjoyed every second of it. This experience has really boosted my confidence and is
something I’ll carry with me for a long time,” he said.
US-based Peluola Akinbamiro, competing for Nigeria on home soil for the first time, showed
determination in the women’s individual event.
Speaking at the tournament’s opening, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu
represented by the Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu
praised the Nigeria Fencing Federation and the International Fencing Federation for
expanding the sport’s presence in the country.
“This championship creates an opportunity for meaningful dialogue on how fencing can be
used as a tool for social development,” he said. “The Nigerian Fencing Federation and the
International Fencing Federation have expressed a willingness to partner with UNICEF,
aiming to leverage fencing for youth empowerment, child protection, poverty alleviation, and
to unlock economic opportunities for our athletes.”