Egypt Sweeps Individual Gold Medals at 23rd African Fencing Championships

Egypt continued its dominance at the 23rd African Fencing Championships, claiming five of the six individual gold medals on offer at the event held at Charterhouse, Lagos, Nigeria. The only interruption to Egypt’s clean sweep came from Kenya’s Alexandra Ndolo, who delivered a commanding performance to defeat Egypt’s Shirwit Gaber 15-8 in the final of the women’s épée. On Friday, June 27, Egypt added two more titles to its tally, with Abdelrahman Tolba and Alanoud Hegazy capturing gold in the men’s foil and women’s sabre events, respectively. These victories followed three earlier gold medals secured by the Egyptian team on the first two days of the championships. Tolba, who had previously won bronze in 2023 and silver in 2024, completed his ascent to the top of the podium with a 15-10 win over defending champion Mohamed Hamza in the men’s foil final. He had earlier cruised past Cape Verde’s Victor Alvares 15-4 in the semifinal. Reflecting on his journey, Tolba said: “It feels great to finally win gold. This shows that hard work pays off—starting with bronze in 2023, then silver in 2024, and now gold. I’m so happy, though it wasn’t easy facing my teammate in the final.” In the women’s sabre, Hegazy claimed her first continental title with a 15-8 victory over 2024 bronze medallist Nada Hafez. Her path to the final included a 15-10 quarterfinal win over defending champion Lorina Essomba of Cameroon and a 15-9 semifinal triumph against Algeria’s Chaima Benadouda. “I feel great and proud to win my first continental title at any level,” Hegazy said. “This is a big moment for me, and I hope to keep performing well in major competitions like this.” The team events, which begin on Saturday, June 28 to 29, with all eyes on the Egyptian side as the defending champions.

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Egypt Claims First Medal as Nigerian Starlets Impress at 23rd African Fencing Championships

The 23rd African Fencing Championships kicked off in grand style on Wednesday, June 25, at Charterhouse Lagos, with continental powerhouses showcasing their dominance. Egypt captured the tournament’s first gold medal, reaffirming their status as one of Africa’s fencing giants. Team Nigeria delivered a spirited performance, with rising stars Wisdom Okanlawon and the Idongesit siblings—Mahadi and Mahathir—advancing to the knockout stages of the Men’s Individual Épée event. Despite facing seasoned opponents in the preliminaries, the trio displayed remarkable skill and determination. Veteran fencer Adegbola Babade, the oldest member of Team Nigeria, also progressed to the round of 32. However, all Nigerian contenders were eventually eliminated in the knockout rounds by more experienced adversaries. Mahathir Idongesit, who was narrowly defeated by World Junior Champion Mahmoud El-Sayed in the round of 32, remained upbeat. “I’m thrilled to have fenced against one of the best in the world. It was a close contest, and I enjoyed every moment. This experience has boosted my confidence and will stay with me for a long time,” he said. In a goodwill message, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, praised the Nigeria Fencing Federation and the International Fencing Federation (FIE) for selecting Nigeria as host of the prestigious event. “This glorious competition, featuring nations such as Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Benin Republic, Ivory Coast, and Senegal, brings together over 26 countries and more than 200 athletes in a spectacular display of skill and sportsmanship,” he said. “I welcome you all to Nigeria, the most populous Black nation in the world, and to Lagos, a city known for its vibrant aquatic beauty and dynamic spirit.” Governor Sanwo-Olu also highlighted the broader impact of the sport: “This championship opens the door to vital conversations about how fencing can serve as a powerful tool for social good. The Nigerian Fencing Federation and FIE are exploring a strategic partnership with UNICEF to use fencing for youth empowerment, child protection, and poverty alleviation, while creating economic opportunities for our athletes.”

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Continental Fencing Heavyweights Storm Nigeria for 23rd African Championships

Egypt and Tunisia, two of Africa’s fencing powerhouses, have arrived in Nigeria ahead of the 23rd African Fencing Championships, which will take place at Charterhouse Lagos from Wednesday, June 25, to Sunday, June 29. The five-day, 12-event tournament will feature top fencers from across the continent, all vying for the 12 gold medals up for grabs in both individual and team events. Egypt, the most decorated nation in African fencing, has arrived with the largest contingent. Their squad is headlined by the El-Sayed brothers—Olympic bronze medallist Mohamed El-Sayed and world junior champion Mahmoud El-Sayed. Mohamed, 22, claimed bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and also won gold at the 2022 Mediterranean Games. His younger brother, Mahmoud, recently clinched gold at the 2025 Junior World Championships in Wuxi, China, and currently holds the world No. 1 junior ranking. The Egyptian team, which landed in Lagos aboard an EgyptAir flight from Cairo, is determined to defend the overall title they secured in 2024. Tunisia, another fencing powerhouse, has also touched down in Lagos with a strong squad led by Paris 2024 Olympic silver medallist Farès Ferjani. The 27-year-old is the reigning champion in the individual men’s sabre and will also lead Tunisia’s men’s sabre team. Other participating nations, including Mauritius, Angola, Rwanda, South Africa, Guinea, Morocco, Libya, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Senegal, are expected to arrive on Tuesday, June 24, ahead of the tournament’s opening day. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Fencing Federation has expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received from corporate sponsors and individuals, particularly Charterhouse, the host venue, which also staged the 2024 World Cup. Federation President Adeyinka Samuel stated: “We are truly grateful for the support from government agencies and corporate bodies in helping to put Nigeria on the global fencing map through the hosting of this continental championship. Charterhouse has been a steadfast partner since the 2024 World Cup, and their continued support is deeply appreciated. We hope this inspires other institutions to follow their lead.”

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World No. 1 Heads to Lagos for 23rd African Fencing Championships

Twenty-two-year-old world number one Mohamed El-Sayed of Egypt is among the elite fencers set to compete in the 23rd African Fencing Championships, scheduled to take place in Lagos from June 25 to 29. El-Sayed, who recently clinched a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, will be joined by his brother, Mahmoud El-Sayed, the 2025 Junior World Champion. Speaking at a press briefing ahead of the tournament—the third ever to be hosted in sub-Saharan Africa after previous editions in Senegal (2002, 2009) and Mali (2019)—President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation, Adeyinka Samuel, announced that 26 countries and over 200 fencers are expected to participate in this prestigious continental event. “A total of 26 African nations have confirmed their participation, bringing with them more than 200 athletes,” Samuel stated. “We are committed to delivering a world-class experience. Participants can expect exceptional hospitality, professional organization, and a vibrant, secure environment. Lagos offers a unique combination of modern infrastructure, cultural richness, and passionate sportsmanship. Beyond the intense competition, we aim to showcase a memorable Nigerian experience, featuring cultural displays that reflect our diversity and a strong pan-African spirit of unity.” Samuel emphasized the high caliber of athletes set to compete, including Senior World No. 1 and Olympic bronze medalist Mohamed El-Sayed; Junior World No. 1 Mahmoud El-Sayed; 2024 Olympic silver medalist Fares Ferjani; and former World Champion Ndolo Alexandra of Kenya. Nigeria’s own Inkosi Brou, currently ranked 23rd in the world, will also be competing, among many other top-tier fencers. Highlighting the significance of the event, Samuel added: “We are immensely proud to announce that top Executive Committee members from the International Fencing Federation will be attending, marking their first official visit to Africa. Additionally, all executive members of the African Fencing Confederation will be present, underscoring the importance of this championship for the growth and development of fencing across the continent.” The tournament will be hosted at the iconic Charterhouse Lagos—the first British independent school in West Africa—located in the bustling heart of the city. Having previously hosted Nigeria’s first Fencing World Cup, Charterhouse, with its 400-year legacy of British academic excellence, is seen as the ideal venue for the championship, which is sanctioned by the International Fencing Federation (FIE). Angela Hencher, Chief Operating Officer of Charterhouse, reaffirmed the school’s commitment to supporting the sport: “Charterhouse will continue to partner with the federation to help grow fencing in Nigeria and across Africa. The Senior African Fencing Championships will bring together athletes from across the continent, aligning with our vision to nurture proactive contributors ready to make a meaningful impact in an interconnected world.” “Beyond the competition,” she added, “this event is a celebration of the power of sport, fostering a culture of excellence and ambition.”

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Egypt-bound Flying Eagles Return to Abuja to Intensify U20 AFCON Preparations

Seven-time champions Nigeria have relocated back to the Federal Capital, Abuja as they intensify preparations for the 24th Africa U20 Cup of Nations starting later this month in Egypt. The contingent returned to Abuja after a three-week training programme in Katsina, where they had gone to camp in order to feel the weather which was found to be the same with that of Cote d’Ivoire – the country originally designated to host the tournament. With Cote d’Ivoire pulling out as host nation in the last hour, to the consternation of the Confederation of African Football and the participating teams, Egypt (host of the last edition in 2023) stepped in as hosts. “We are grateful to His Excellency, Governor Umaru Dikko Radda for hosting the team for three weeks in Katsina and making sure players and officials trained and camped in a conducive environment. The coaches have had some useful time to work on the team and it is now down to the final stages of preparation where the ascent will be on tactical and technical formations. “At the moment, due to the change of host nation, and the difference in weather conditions between Cote d’Ivoire and Egypt, we are looking at the team leaving Nigeria early to spend about 10 days in Egypt before the commencement of the tournament,” NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said on Wednesday. The team will make use of the FIFA Goal Project training field for training sessions before departing for Egypt in the next one week. For the purpose of the camping in Abuja, Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu – who led the team to successfully defend its WAFU B U20 Championship gong in Togo in October last year – has invited a total of 35 players, including three goalkeepers, eight defenders, 10 midfielders and 14 forwards. All four semi-finalists in Egypt will qualify to represent Africa at this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup finals scheduled for Chile, 27th September – 18th October. 35 FLYING EAGLES FOR CAMPING IN ABUJA: Goalkeepers: Ifeanyi Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos); Rufai Abubakar (Mavlon FC); Soliu Ajia (FK Novi Pazar, Serbia) Defenders: Adewale Quadri (Nath Boys Academy); Adamu Maigari (El-Kanemi Warriors); Odinaka Okoro Emmanuel (Sporting Lagos); Kenneth Igboke (Enugu Rangers); Daniel Bameyi (Bayelsa United); Haruna Aliyu (Wikki Tourists); Chukwu Emmanuel (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany); Chigozie Michael Ihejiofor (Katsina United) Midfielders: Caleb Ochedikwu (NK Ujanik, Croatia); Michael Tunde (Simon Ben FC); Sabiu Mohammed (Niger Tornadoes); Akinniran Oluwashile (Water FC); Ibrahim Alani (Real Valladolid, Spain); Ayuma Isaac Israel (NK Istra, Croatia); Cletus Simon (Mavlon FC); Sulaiman Alabi Jojo (El-Kanemi Warriors); Auwal Ibrahim (Akwa United); Shafiu Adamu Duguri (Wikki Tourists) Forwards: Umar Abubakar (KAA Gent, Belgium); Anthony Ezekiel (Inspire FC); Otu Joseph (Mavlon FC); Nasiru Salihu (El-Kanemi Warriors); Divine Oliseh (Forster Academy); Adeleke Abdulmuiz (Adoration FC); Clinton Jephta (Enyimba FC); Bidemi Amole (Real Sapphire FC); Tahir Maigana (Wireless FC); Rickson Mendos (Niger Tornadoes); Mustapha Umar (Kano Pillars); Kingsley Matthew (Kings FC); Armiyau Yusha’u (Katsina United); Benjamin Precious (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany)

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CAF Awards U20 AFCON 2025 Hosting Rights To Egypt

The Confederation African Football (CAF) has awarded the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) and Egyptian Government the rights to host the CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations 2025. This is subsequent to CAF having been informed by the Fédération Ivoirienne de Football (FIF) and the Government of Côte d’Ivoire that due to unforeseen circumstances, they are unable to host the CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations 2025. The Egyptian Football Association and the Egyptian Government had previously submitted a bid to host the CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations 2025. The opening match of the CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations 2025 will be played on Sunday, 27 April 2025 and the Final on 18 May 2025.

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Cote d’Ivoire 2025: Flying Eagles return to camp for Egypt friendlies

Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu has called to camp 30 players as Nigeria’s U20 boys, Flying Eagles, prepare for a two-match tour of Egypt later this month. Team Administrator, Aliyu Lawal Ibrahim informed thenff.com that the seven-time African champions will clash with their Egyptian counterparts in Cairo, capital of Egypt in friendly matches that have been scheduled for 25th and 27th February. This year’s Africa U20 Cup of Nations will be staged in Cote d’Ivoire, 26th April – 18th May, with the four top-placed finishers qualifying to represent the continent at the FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile, 27th September – 19th October. The Flying Eagles, champions of Africa in 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 2005, 2011 and 2015, won the WAFU-B U20 Championship held in Lome, Togo in October last year to be eligible for the finals in Cote d’Ivoire. They defeated Ghana’s Black Satellites 3-1 in the final match. The two-time FIFA World Cup runners-up, in 1989 and 2005, came within breathing distance of the semi-finals at the FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Argentina, before losing narrowly to Korea Republic after extra time. FLYING EAGLES FOR CAMPING IN ABUJA FOR EGYPT FRIENDLIES: Goalkeepers: Ifeanyi Harcourt (Sporting Lagos); Light Emerenonye (Diamond Academy); Abubakar Rufai (Mavlon FC) Defenders: Adamu Maigari (El-Kanemi Warriors); Daniel Bameyi (Bayelsa United); Kenneth Igbokwe (Enugu Rangers); Haruna Aliyu (Wikki Tourists); Musa Ademu (Wireless FC); Shamsudeen Muhammad (Mavlon FC); Ibrahim Abdullahi; Shamsudeen Ishaq (Grassrunner FC); Steven Jolomi (Mavlon FC) Midfielders: Raphael Oyebanji (Shuffle Select FC); Mohammed Ibrahim (Niger Tornadoes); Kizito Opara (Campus Academy); Alabi Sulaiman Jojo (El-Kanemi Warriors); Sulaiman Abubakar (Diamond Academy); Shafiu Adamu (Wikki Tourists); Cletus Simon (Mavlon FC) Forwards: Bidemi Amole (Real Sapphire Academy); Clinton Japhet (Enyimba FC); Matthew Chukwusa (Morack Academy); Nasiru Salihu (El-Kanemi Warriors); Divine Olisha (Fostar Academy); Jerry Salami (Aspire Academy); Oluwaseyi Akinfenwa (Real Sapphire Academy); Shola Adelami (Ikorodu City); Abdulrahaman Ishaq (Sport Supply Academy); Ezekiel Anthony (Aspire Academy); Sodiq Olalekan Adewunmi (Jaguar Sports FC)

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Hurghada, Egypt ready for CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations kick-off 

The awe-striking coastal city of Hurghada – the largest city in the red sea in Egypt – will host the kick-off match of the CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2024 this weekend. The opening match will be played on Saturday, 19 October 2024 with hosts Egypt in action at 16h30 Egypt time (13h30 GMT) against Ghana. Morocco and Tanzania will play at 15h00 (12h30 GMT). Senegal are the defending champions – having won the trophy last year in Vilankulos in Mozambique. For the sixth edition of the CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to kick-off this weekend, eight African Nations will be divided into two groups. The Groups: The top two teams from the tournament will earn a coveted spot in Africa’s first ever FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, Seychelles 2025. This will bring Africa’s numbers at the World Cup to three. Group A: Egypt, Morocco, Tanzania, Ghana Group B: Senegal, Mozambique, Malawi, Mauritania

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