Lagos is set to host over 150 of the continent’s top fencers for the 23rd African Fencing Championships, with Nigeria’s 17-year-old rising star, Inkosi Brou, aiming to make a strong impression.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the championship is billed to hold between June 25 and June 29.
This prestigious five-day, 12-event tournament will unfold at Charterhouse Lagos, the first British independent school in West Africa.
According to the Nigeria Fencing Federation, the event will be officially declared open by Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.
A fencing championship is a competitive event where fencers (athletes who practice fencing) from different regions, clubs, or countries compete in organised matches.
These championships can range from local and national levels to continental and global levels.
NAN reports that that fencing has three main weapons.
The first is the ‘Foil’. This is the light thrusting weapon that mainly targets the torso; the Épée: being the heavier thrusting weapon, that targets the entire body.
The third is the Sabre: this is the combination of light cutting and thrusting weapon; which target everything above the waist except hands.
This year’s championship promises high-stakes drama and elite competition, with 50 women and 100 men from 18 nations vying for continental glory.
It also marks another milestone for Charterhouse Lagos, which successfully hosted Nigeria’s first Fencing World Cup in 2024.
The championship will feature athletes competing in both individual and team events.
The tournament will feature a thrilling mix of regional, continental, Olympic, and world champions.
Preliminary rounds will build up to intense medal showdowns, highlighting a dynamic blend of rising stars and seasoned veterans.
With medallists from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games competing in every category, fans can expect fierce rivalries and world-class performances.
Picking a favourite will be no easy task as Africa’s elite fencers clash in a celebration of skill, strategy and sportsmanship.
The men’s individual epee promises a fierce contest, headlined by Mohamed El-Sayed of Egypt, the 22-year-old bronze medalist from Paris 2024 and defending African champion.
He will face stiff competition from his younger brother, Mahmoud El-Sayed, the reigning world junior champion.
Also in the mix is Shamel Youssef ranked 10th in junior men’s epee, alongside fellow Egyptians Osama Eslam and Elkord Houssam.
Egypt’s dominance in this category makes them the team to beat in the men’s team épée.
Defending champion Alexandra Ndolo of Kenya, a 38-year-old Germany-based fencer, will be aiming to retain her title.
She faces strong challenges from Tunisian and Egyptian contenders in what promises to be a tightly contested event.
In the men’s sabre, all eyes will be on Ferjani Fares of Tunisia, world No. 3 and silver medalist at Paris 2024.
He will be challenged by Egypt’s Mohamed Amer (2024 African champion) and Adham Moataz 2024 silver medalist.
Nigeria’s rising star, Brou, will also be in the hunt, adding local excitement to the mix.
Defending champion Lorina Essomba of Cameroon will need to be at her best to fend off a strong Egyptian contingent. Expect fast-paced action and tactical brilliance in this category.
Egypt’s Mohamed Hamza, the defending champion, will face a major challenge from compatriot Tolba Abdelrahman, the current world junior No. 1.
Their potential gold medal clash could be one of the highlights of the tournament.
Egypt’s Yara Elsharkawy, 26, is the one to beat. After clinching double gold individual and team at the 2024 African Championships in Morocco, she returns to defend her titles in Lagos.
Egypt remains the dominant force in both men’s and women’s team events, especially in foil and épée.
Their women’s squad will aim to retain titles across all three weapons foil, épée, and sabre.
Tunisia’s men’s sabre team, the reigning champions, will need to be at their best to fend off a star-studded Egyptian lineup.
Nigeria’s 12-man squad heads into the African Fencing Championships with a determination to break their medal drought at the continental showpiece.
For many team members, the tournament presents a crucial opportunity to earn valuable ranking points in their quest to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The team features a dynamic blend of foreign-based and the homegrown talent stands out as one of the youngest contingents in the competition.
NAN reports that Brou, Nigeria’s highest-ranked fencer, whose presence will add both experience and excitement to the youthful lineup, is leading the charge.(NAN)
