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1-5 May 2026
Photo by Eva Pavía #BizziTeam FIE
Tayo Ogunseye
Nigeria’s hopes of making a strong impression at the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships will rest largely on the shoulders of two of its brightest stars, Folayemi Akinyosoye and Adebodunrin Thomas, when the competition gets underway in Lagos this August.
Akinyosoye, currently ranked 119th in the world, heads into the tournament as captain of Nigeria’s men’s sabre team in both the U-23 and senior categories. The 21-year-old, who is based in the United Kingdom, has steadily established himself as one of the country’s leading fencers following an impressive quarterfinal appearance at the 2025 African Championships. Competing before a home crowd, he will be aiming to lead Nigeria to a memorable outing on the international stage.
Thomas, one of Nigeria’s most promising female fencers, will also be among the country’s leading medal prospects. She announced herself at the 2025 African Championships in Lagos by helping the women’s épée team secure a top-five finish before delivering another commendable performance at the African Senior Championships in Abidjan, where she advanced beyond the group stage before narrowly losing 15-12 to Egypt’s Loulwa Soliman. The teenager is targeting a place in the last 16 of the Commonwealth Championships and hopes to challenge for honours.
Team Nigeria’s squad also boasts a number of talented athletes expected to make an impact. The men’s team includes Chizim Aninyei, Adegbola Babade, Wisdom Okanlawon, Diekolola Johnson, Nabil Oseni, Oghenegaren Esiovwa Thompson, Martins Olabaderinwa and Olagunju Zaafir, while Oluwafiifehanmi Babatunde, Erinle Teniayo and Okpaleke Mekachi complete the women’s contingent.
National coach Ibrahim Alogba expressed confidence in his team’s chances, attributing their readiness to the exposure gained from competing at major international tournaments.
“They have been exposed to top-class tournaments across the globe,” Alogba said. “Those experiences will be handy at the Commonwealth Championships. With home support, I believe we can win medals.”
Beyond the pursuit of podium finishes, the Championships represent another milestone in Nigeria’s growing influence in international fencing. With Akinyosoye and Thomas leading a youthful and ambitious squad, Team Nigeria will be looking to showcase the country’s progress while inspiring a new generation of fencers on home soil.
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