FIE picks teenage fencer Okanlawon for China High-Performance Camp

The International Fencing Federation (FIE) has chosen Nigerian teenage
fencer, Wisdom Okanlawon as one of five athletes from 30 African
countries to attend a high- high-performance training camp and compete at the 2025 Cadet and Junior World Championships in Wuxi, China.

According to the FIE, the training camp, which takes place from April 1
to 12, is organized in collaboration with Olympic Solidarity and aims to
identify and support top talent from across Africa, providing athletes
with world-class training and competition opportunities. The camp will bring together some of the most promising fencers from around the world.

In a statement issued by the Nigerian Fencing Federation, the 18-year-old
inclusion in this elite group underscores his remarkable
achievements in the sport and his potential to excel at the highest
level.
His selection recognizes his exceptional skill, dedication, and
potential to represent Africa on the global stage. The training camp
will offer Okanlawon the chance to refine his skills under the guidance
of top coaches.

After the camp, he will compete at the World Championships from April 13
to 15, where he will face off against the best junior fencers globally.

“This opportunity is a significant milestone not only for Okanlawon but
also for Nigerian and African fencing. It highlights the growing
recognition of African athletes in international sports and provides a
platform for Okanlawon to showcase his talent on a global scale.

Okanlawon’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes across
the continent, demonstrating that hard work and dedication can lead to
extraordinary opportunities,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, the President of the Nigerian Fencing Federation, Adeyinka
Samuel, said the Federation would continue to strive to source more
opportunities for athletes to sharpen their skills.

He described Okanlawon as a homegrown fencer who has distinguished himself and serves as a role model to others.

“I am not surprised that Okanlawon was selected because he has shown a
lot of promise since we took him up. He is a good leader among his
colleagues and for us, this is what we are promoting and encouraging
our athletes to imbibe so that they can be exposed to opportunities like
this.

“We are happy that he will be able to train under top coaches and
also compete against the best fencers in the world,” Samuel added.