Nigeria’s fast-rising fencing talent Adebodunrin Thomas has set an ambitious target ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships, declaring that she is determined to build on her recent continental performances by reaching the last 16 when the competition begins in Lagos.
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The championship, scheduled for August 9 to 14 at Rugby School, Lagos, will see some of the best fencers from across the Commonwealth compete in individual and team events, with Nigeria becoming the first African nation to host the prestigious tournament.
Thomas heads into the event with growing confidence after gaining valuable international experience at the 2026 African Senior Fencing Championships in Abidjan, where she progressed from the group stage before narrowly losing to Egypt’s Loulwa Soliman in the round of 32.
Speaking ahead of the championships, the young épée fencer said months of hard work have prepared her for one of the biggest competitions of her career.
“I’m optimistic that I can replicate my performance from the Junior African Championships. It’s been a long journey of preparation, hard work and steady training,” Thomas said.
The youngster revealed that her training has focused on improving her technique, correcting weaknesses and preparing for the different styles of opponents she expects to face during the tournament.
“I’ve worked hard to improve my techniques and overcome my challenges. My target is to reach the last 16 and continue growing as a fencer,” she added.
Thomas is among a new generation of Nigerian fencers benefiting from increased international exposure as the Nigerian Fencing Federation intensifies efforts to establish the country as one of Africa’s emerging fencing nations.
Hosting the Commonwealth Fencing Championships is expected to provide another major boost for the sport in Nigeria, following the country’s successful staging of recent international fencing events that helped secure the hosting rights.
With home support behind her and confidence growing after recent international outings, Thomas believes the championship presents the perfect opportunity to announce herself on the Commonwealth stage.
For the teenage prospect, reaching the knockout rounds would represent another significant step in a career that continues to gather momentum—and another sign that Nigerian fencing is moving in the right direction.
