Inkosi Brou Leads Nigeria’s Charge at World Junior Fencing Championships in China

Nigeria’s top-ranked fencer, Inkosi Brou, is set to lead the country’s seven-member squad to the World Junior Fencing Championships in Wuxi, China. The tournament, scheduled to take place from April 7 to 15, will serve as a crucial platform for the nation’s young fencers to test their skills against some of the best talents from around the globe.

Brou, ranked 22nd in the junior category by the International Fencing Federation (FIE), has been on an impressive journey to become Nigeria’s first fencer to compete at the Olympics. Over the past few years, he has actively participated in various international tournaments, gaining invaluable experience and positioning himself as a rising force in the sport. His leadership and expertise will be instrumental in guiding the Nigerian team as they take on the world’s elite in China.

Joining Brou in the squad is Wisdom Okanlawon, a promising home-based fencer who will not only compete in the championships but also participate in an exclusive training camp preceding the event. The camp, which features some of the world’s finest coaches, is expected to offer him a unique opportunity to refine his skills and gain crucial exposure to top-level competition. Okanlawon’s presence in the squad highlights Nigeria’s growing depth in fencing and underscores the importance of investing in homegrown talent.

The Nigerian contingent also includes Peluola Akinbamiro, who recently made her debut for the national team at the African Junior Championships in Angola. Akinbamiro’s performance at that event caught the attention of selectors, earning her a place in the team heading to China. She will be joined by the Idongesit siblings—Mahadi, Mahathir, and Sara—who will be making their debut appearances for Nigeria on the international stage. Their inclusion is expected to further bolster Nigeria’s prospects at the championships while also serving as a significant milestone in their budding careers.

Another key member of the squad is Somto Eribenne, a young and ambitious fencer eager to make her mark. Eribenne, set to make her first competitive appearance in 2025, sees this tournament as an opportunity to improve her world ranking and establish herself as a serious contender in future competitions.

Speaking on the team’s selection, Nigeria Fencing Federation (NFF) President, Adeyinka Samuel, expressed confidence in the squad’s potential. He emphasized that Nigeria’s participation in such high-level tournaments is vital for the country’s long-term development in fencing.

“We are excited about the enthusiasm these athletes have shown in preparing for the World Championships. Their dedication is a testament to the progress we are making as a fencing nation,” Samuel stated. “Our efforts are beginning to yield results, and we are optimistic about seeing Nigerian fencers compete at the Olympic Games in the near future.”

Samuel also highlighted the importance of exposure to international tournaments, noting that it not only boosts the confidence of young athletes but also provides a learning curve that is essential for their growth. He reiterated the need for more support for the sport in Nigeria, especially as the country continues to make strides in fencing within Sub-Saharan Africa.

“This mix of homegrown and foreign-based talent will gain invaluable experience at this championship, which will be crucial in preparing them for major international events,” he continued. “Our focus remains on sustaining this momentum. We are looking forward to the Senior African Championships in June and the Commonwealth Championships in 2026 as additional platforms to showcase our talent.”

Nigeria’s growing presence in the sport is a testament to the dedication and resilience of its athletes and officials. While fencing may not yet be among the most popular sports in the country, the increasing participation in international events signals a bright future. The upcoming World Junior Championships will provide an excellent opportunity for Nigeria’s young fencers to gain recognition and further solidify the nation’s reputation in the global fencing community.

As the team gears up for the tournament, all eyes will be on Brou and his teammates to deliver strong performances that will inspire the next generation of Nigerian fencers. With the right blend of experience, ambition, and technical training, Nigeria’s fencing journey is on an upward trajectory, and the Wuxi Championships could be another step towards greater success on the world stage.