Seventeen-year-old Oghenegaren Esiovwa-Thompson has made history at the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships in Lagos, becoming the first Nigerian to win gold at the competition and the country’s first-ever gold medallist at an international fencing tournament.
Esiovwa-Thompson produced an outstanding performance in the men’s U-23 épée, remaining unbeaten throughout his campaign before defeating India’s Asian champion Lokesh Vemani 15-5 in Sunday’s final at Rugby School Nigeria in Eko Atlantic City.
The teenager’s victory was particularly significant because it came on his international debut for Nigeria, following his decision to switch sporting allegiance from England.
Speaking after his historic triumph, Esiovwa-Thompson revealed that representing Nigeria had always been a personal ambition.
“There’s something in me that has always longed to fence for Nigeria,” the teenager said.
His decision to make the switch was influenced by his ambition to represent Nigeria at the Olympic Games and pursue his long-term dream of competing at the highest level.
The young fencer’s route to the final was equally impressive, as he defeated three Indian opponents during the competition before overcoming Vemani in the gold-medal bout.
Esiovwa-Thompson said the gold medal was the reward for months of training, dedication and sacrifice, while competing in front of his grandparents on home soil made the achievement even more special.
The historic success also represents a significant milestone for Nigerian fencing. Before Esiovwa-Thompson’s triumph, Nigeria had never won a medal at the Commonwealth Fencing Championships.
The teenager previously competed for England and recorded success at junior level, including gold at the 2022 Wratislavia Challenge in the U-14 boys’ épée and a cadet team bronze at the European Championships.
Now representing Nigeria, Esiovwa-Thompson has immediately established himself as a historic figure in the country’s fencing programme, with his Commonwealth breakthrough providing further encouragement for the growth of the sport in Nigeria.
