Team Nigeria targets Commonwealth Fencing medals in Lagos

Lagos, Nigeria is set to host the Commonwealth Fencing Federation Championships from August 9 to 14, and Team Nigeria is filled with anticipation and ambition for the event. The Nigerian squad includes two promising young athletes, Adebodunri Thomas and Alex Chizim Aninyei, who previously made their mark at the 2025 African Championships and are now poised to represent Nigeria on a larger stage.

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I have very high expectations and I think it’s going to be really challenging; this won’t be like the African Championships. I hope to reach the last 16 again, as I did in the Junior African Championships. More importantly, fencing against some of the world’s top athletes is a great opportunity. I’ve trained every day since returning from school, working with my coach on new techniques, and I’m eager to put them into practice.

At just 17 years old, Thomas has already secured the top ranking for female épée fencers in Nigeria. She acknowledges the significant challenge ahead but approaches it with confidence. "I have very high expectations and I think it’s going to be really challenging; this won’t be like the African Championships. I hope to reach the last 16 again, as I did in the Junior African Championships. More importantly, fencing against some of the world’s top athletes is a great opportunity. I’ve trained every day since returning from school, working with my coach on new techniques, and I’m eager to put them into practice," she stated.

Her teammate, 19-year-old Aninyei, shares the same enthusiasm. "It’s a wonderful opportunity to represent Nigeria. I look forward to engaging with diverse fencers from around the world, gaining experience, and testing the skills I’ve honed over the years. My goal is to qualify from the pools, reach the direct elimination rounds, and, of course, win a medal," he declared with determination.

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It’s a wonderful opportunity to represent Nigeria. I look forward to engaging with diverse fencers from around the world, gaining experience, and testing the skills I’ve honed over the years. My goal is to qualify from the pools, reach the direct elimination rounds, and, of course, win a medal.

National coach Ibrahim Alogba views the championships as more than just a competition; it's a platform for Nigeria to demonstrate its advancements in fencing internationally. "We’re very ready, and we still have time to prepare further. The Commonwealth Championships are no small event, but our team is stronger now, more united than before. With the chemistry we’ve built and the exposure to world-class tournaments, I believe we can bring home medals," Alogba affirmed. As Lagos prepares to welcome the fencing community, Team Nigeria's hopes are high, and their spirits remain strong, aiming to make a significant mark in Commonwealth fencing history.

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We’re very ready, and we still have time to prepare further. The Commonwealth Championships are no small event, but our team is stronger now, more united than before. With the chemistry we’ve built and the exposure to world-class tournaments, I believe we can bring home medals.