Nigeria’s most decorated young fencer, Inkosi Brou, will spearhead the nation’s four-man contingent to the 2026 African Junior Fencing Championships in Dakar, Senegal, scheduled for February 16–20.
Brou, grandson of the late Prof. Dora Akunyili, former Director General of NAFDAC, has already etched his name in history as Nigeria’s first global fencing medalist, winning silver at the World Tournoi Satellite Cup in 2024.
Ranked among Africa’s top junior fencers and currently 13th in the world in Men’s Sabre, Brou also claimed bronze at the junior continental championships in 2025 and is widely seen as a strong contender for Olympic qualification ahead of Los Angeles 2028.
Joining the18-year-old in Dakar are Mahathir Idongesit (Men’s Épée), Sara Idongesit (Women’s Épée), and Adebodunrin Thomas (Women’s Épée).
Together, the quartet will compete in both individual and team events, with Brou and Mahathir contesting the Men’s Sabre and Épée individual categories, while Sara and Thomas represent Nigeria in the Women’s Épée individual and team categories.
National coach Ibrahim Alogba expressed optimism about the team’s prospects, noting that the tournament will serve as vital preparation for the Commonwealth Championships in Lagos this August.
“We are excited that our fencers will have the chance to compete with the best juniors in Africa. We aim to surpass last year’s bronze medal finish in Angola. With the global exposure gained from recent competitions, including the Fencing World Cup in Egypt, we believe our athletes are better prepared to deliver strong performances,” Alogba said.
Meanwhile, Adeyinka Samuel, President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation, praised the dedication of parents and guardians whose support has enabled Nigerian fencers to compete internationally.
He emphasized the federation’s commitment to building a platform for young athletes. He called for greater investment in the sport, stressing Nigeria’s potential to qualify athletes for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
The Dakar championships will feature top African fencing nations, including Senegal, Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, Tunisia, and Kenya, promising a highly competitive showcase of the continent’s rising talent.
