Nigeria Fencers set for continental test at African Senior Championship in Abidjan
Nigeria’s finest fencers are gearing up for a major challenge as they head to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, for the 2026 African Senior Fencing Championships, where some of the continent’s biggest stars will battle for honours and valuable ranking points.
The week-long championship, scheduled from May 31 to June 6, will bring together Africa’s elite competitors in individual and team events across épée, sabre, and foil disciplines.
Nigeria will compete in the men’s sabre, men’s épée, women’s épée, and the men’s épée team event, with a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents carrying the nation’s hopes.
Leading the charge in the men’s sabre event is Nigeria’s highest-ranked sabre fencer, Oluwafolayemi Akinyosoye, who currently sits 65th in the world rankings. Akinyosoye arrives in Abidjan on the back of an impressive outing at the 2025 African Championships in Lagos and will be expected to spearhead Nigeria’s medal pursuit.
He will be joined by 18-year-old Brou Inkosi, ranked 106th globally, and Phoenix Olen, who is set to make his senior continental debut.
The trio face a daunting task in a highly competitive field that includes Paris 2024 Olympic silver medallist Fares Ferjani of Tunisia and reigning African champion Ahmed Hesham of Egypt, two of the tournament’s headline attractions.
In the men’s épée category, Diekolola Johnson and Leonard Chizim Aninyei will represent Nigeria against a strong field packed with athletes chasing podium finishes.
Nigeria’s lone female competitor at the championships, Adebodunrin Thomas, will compete in the women’s individual épée event as she seeks to make her mark on the continental stage.
The country will also feature in the men’s épée team competition, with the squad aiming to deliver competitive performances across all events at the International Fencing Federation (FIE)-sanctioned tournament.
Speaking before the team’s departure, national coach Ibrahim Alogba expressed confidence in the squad’s chances, describing the team as a balanced mix of youth and experience capable of holding its own against Africa’s best.
The championships are expected to showcase some of the continent’s most accomplished fencers, including Kenya’s Alexandra Ndolo, alongside Egyptian stars Mohamed Elsayed and Mohamed Hamza, all of whom will be chasing titles in Abidjan.
Nigeria will be among several nations contesting for continental glory, with traditional powerhouses Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria joined by countries such as Kenya, Senegal, Cameroon, Niger, Benin, Togo, Angola, Cape Verde, and hosts Côte d’Ivoire.
Join the Savid News channel on WhatsApp:
