Pursuant to its obligations in preparation for the 2025 African Fencing Championships, scheduled to be held in Lagos, Nigeria, from June 25 to 29, the Nigeria Fencing Federation (“the Federation”) has commenced residential training for its designated athletes.
As of Thursday, twelve (12) fencers selected to represent the Federal Republic of Nigeria at the said Championships have officially entered camp at the Lagos Fencing Club, Lekki, where they are undergoing intensive training under the supervision of Coach Riccardo Bardine, a technical expert seconded by the Italian Fencing Federation.
The appointment of Mr. Bardine arises from the strategic technical cooperation agreement executed between the Nigeria Fencing Federation and the Federazione Italiana Scherma in December 2024—a four-year bilateral arrangement designed to facilitate capacity building, elite coaching, and international performance enhancement for Nigerian fencing.
The national contingent is comprised of prominent athletes including Nigeria’s top-ranked fencer, Mr. Inkosi Brou; U.S.-based competitor and emerging talent, Mr. Peluola Akinbamiro; and distinguished local athlete, Mr. Wisdom Okanlawon.
The Nigeria Fencing Federation (“NFF”) has confirmed that no fewer than twenty-six (26) African nations have formally indicated their intent to participate in the 2025 African Fencing Championships, with over two hundred (200) athletes expected to compete.
According to Mr. Adeyinka Samuel, President of the NFF, the Nigerian contingent is entering the competition with unprecedented levels of preparation and strategic support. “Our athletes are more prepared than ever before,” Mr. Samuel stated. “The Federation has placed particular emphasis on coach development, international exposure, and high-performance training protocols. With the added advantage of a supportive home audience, Team Nigeria is both mentally and physically poised to make history.”
He further noted that, “Team Nigeria is battle-ready. We have engaged the services of an internationally accredited coach from Italy, conducted joint training camps with other African nations, and delivered athlete-specific interventions in nutrition, strength and conditioning, and psychological readiness. Each athlete is acutely aware that this event is not solely about podium finishes but about inspiring future generations of Nigerian fencers.”
Among the headliners of the Championship is Egypt’s Mohamed El-Sayed, age 22, who currently holds the title of World No. 1 in fencing and was the silver medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. He will be competing alongside his brother, Mahmoud El-Sayed, the reigning 2025 Junior World Champion and current Junior World No. 1. Both athletes form part of Egypt’s elite fencing delegation.
The Championships shall be held at Charterhouse Lagos, a venue of historical significance, having previously hosted Nigeria’s inaugural Fencing World Cup in the preceding year.#newsafro_
