The president of Nigeria Fencing Federation, Adeyinka Samuel has showered accolades on the country’s array of junior fencers, as he believves they are taking giant strides on the international stage, Sports247 reports.
Samuel’s accolades came after confirmation emerged that the country will be represented at the 2026 World Fencing Championships in Hong Kong from July 22nd to 30th by four youngsters, who he said will also aim to gain valuable international experience and world ranking points.
He noted that the competition in Hong Kong will further the development process and progression of all the four fencers, as they will also feature at the Commonwealth Fencing Championship in August, even as he promised that the federation will continue to promote homegrown talent.
The fencing boss singled out 18-year-old sabre sensation, Inkosi Brou, who made history by breaking into the world’s top 10 junior fencers and senior global rankings, as well as 17-year-old Adebodunrin Thomas.
Samuel also mentioned Mahathir Idongesit and 16-year-old Olen Phoenix Zaoku, who he highlighted as the future of fencing, along with US-based teenage sensation, Peluola Akinbamiro, whose pledge to represent Nigeria is seen as a major boost to the sport’s domestic profile.
He went on to express optimism about their prospects, as four of the youngsters get ready for their trip to Hong Kong for this year’s World Fencing Championship, which will take place at the AsiaWorld-Expo, with more than 1,000 elite athletes from over 100 countries expected in attendance.
Leading the squad is 18-year-old Brou, who climbed to 65th in the world rankings after his quarter-finals finish at the 2026 African Championships in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, becoming the highest ranked Nigerian fencer.
He will be joined by Oluwafolayemi Akinyosoye, who is rated 120th, and will join forces in Hong Kong alongside 16-year-old Zaoku, currently ranked 507th globally and youngest competitor in the men’s sabre field of 154 fencers.
National fencing coach, Ibrahim Alogba described the forthcoming global championship as a vital step forward for the youngsters, and declared: “We are excited that our fencers will have another opportunity to test their might against some of the finest athletes in the world.
“Beyond competition, this is about gaining valuable ranking points and building confidence ahead of the Commonwealth Championships next month. Every member of this team is capable of surprising the world.”
