Nigeria’s national fencing coach, Ibrahim Alogba, has expressed confidence that Team Nigeria can secure medals at the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships, with Folayemi Akinyosoye and Adebodunrin Thomas leading the country’s campaign on home soil in Lagos.
Speaking ahead of the championship, Alogba said the team’s exposure to top international competitions has prepared the athletes to compete against the best in the Commonwealth.
“They have been exposed to top-class tournaments across the globe,” Alogba said.
“Those experiences will be handy at the Commonwealth Championships. With the support of the home crowd, I believe we can win medals.”
Leading the charge is 21-year-old sabreur Folayemi Akinyosoye, who has emerged as one of Nigeria’s brightest fencing prospects.
Ranked 119th in the world, the UK-based athlete reached the quarterfinals of the 2025 African Fencing Championships and will captain Nigeria’s men’s sabre team in both the U-23 and senior categories.
Akinyosoye will be expected to inspire the host nation as Nigeria seeks to make a strong statement before its home supporters.
Also carrying the nation’s hopes is promising épée fencer Adebodunrin Thomas.
The youngster announced herself at the 2025 African Championships in Lagos, helping Nigeria’s women’s épée team achieve a top five finish.
She continued her development at the African Senior Championships in Abidjan, progressing beyond the group stage before narrowly losing 15-12 to Egypt’s Loulwa Soliman in the knockout rounds.
Thomas now targets a place in the last 16 and a potential medal finish in Lagos.
Nigeria’s men’s squad also includes Chizim Aninyei, Adegbola Babade, Wisdom Okanlawon, Diekolola Johnson, Nabil Oseni, Oghenegaren Esiovwa Thompson, Martins Olabaderinwa and Olagunju Zaafir.
The women’s team features Oluwafiifehanmi Babatunde, Erinle Teniayo and Okpaleke Mekachi, all eager to make their mark on the international stage.
With a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents, Team Nigeria will be aiming to take advantage of home support as the country hosts the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships.
Beyond the quest for medals, the tournament offers another opportunity for Nigeria to reinforce its growing reputation in international fencing, with Akinyosoye and Thomas at the forefront of the nation’s ambitions.
