African Fencing Championships Kick Off in Lagos with Continental Stars

The race for medals has officially begun at the 2025 African Fencing Championships in Lagos, with Egypt striking early to claim the tournament’s first gold on Wednesday.

Held at Charterhouse Lagos, the 23rd edition of the championships brings together 150 elite fencers from 18 countries across Africa for five days of intense competition.

Opening events featured the men’s epee and women’s foil individual bouts, where fencers clashed under fast-paced rules—first to five hits in three minutes.

Nigeria’s contingent stepped into the spotlight, with fencers Adegbola Babade, Wisdom Okanlawon, and brothers Mahadi and Mahathir Idongesit all advancing from their pools before exiting in the knockout rounds.

Mahathir, who faced off against world junior champion Mahmoud El-Sayed in the round of 32, reflected on the experience with pride.

“I’m thrilled to have fenced against one of the best in the world,” he said. “It was close, intense, and it’s a moment I’ll never forget. My confidence is stronger for it.”

Meanwhile, US-based Peluola Akinbamiro showed grit and determination in the women’s foil, marking her debut appearance for Nigeria on home soil.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu—represented by Sports Commission Director-General Lekan Fatodu—praised the Nigeria Fencing Federation and the International Fencing Federation for their role in advancing the sport locally.

“This championship marks the start of a broader vision,” Fatodu said. “Fencing can go beyond sport—it can empower youth, protect children, fight poverty, and spark economic opportunity. Through a partnership with UNICEF, fencing may soon find its way into public schools across Nigeria.”

He added, “Once reserved for European elites, fencing is now poised to take on a new, noble purpose—an African one.”

Day two will feature men’s individual sabre and women’s individual epee events as the tournament gathers steam.