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FIE, Nigeria Fencing Federation to Partner with UNICEF on Youth Development Initiative

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago64 mins

In a landmark effort to promote youth empowerment and social inclusion through sport, the Nigerian Fencing Federation (NFF), with the support of the International Fencing Federation (FIE), is exploring a strategic partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The initiative aims to leverage fencing as a transformative tool for child development, education, peacebuilding, and sustainable growth across Nigeria and potentially the African continent. The high-level meeting took place at UNICEF Nigeria’s headquarters in Lagos during the recently concluded 23rd African Fencing Championships. Attending the meeting were FIE Secretary-General Gulnora Saidova, African Fencing Confederation President Mbagnick Ndiaye, and NFF President Adeyinka Samuel, who met with senior representatives of UNICEF Nigeria to discuss a collaborative framework for the initiative. UNICEF Nigeria was represented by Ronak Khan, Deputy Representative (Programmes); Kundra Bharat, Skill Development and Youth Empowerment Specialist; and Emmanuel Bamidele, Youth Engagement and Partnership Officer. Also present were Novak Perovic, FIE Vice President and African Confederation Vice President; Obinna Anyanwu, Vice Chairman of the Organizing Committee and Executive Committee Member; and Rachael Samuel, Vice President of the Nigerian Fencing Federation. During the meeting, NFF President Adeyinka Samuel shared the federation’s vision to use fencing as a catalyst for social change and youth development. The discussions highlighted the vast potential of the partnership to positively impact communities across Nigeria and Africa. FIE Secretary-General Gulnora Saidova remarked: “At the FIE, we are committed to developing fencing globally—not only as a sport but as a platform for social and cultural development. We are thrilled about the opportunities discussed with UNICEF Nigeria and deeply value the potential of this collaboration to enhance lives across Africa and beyond.” Samuel added, “This partnership is a major step toward using fencing to empower and uplift young people across Nigeria. We are proud to scale our grassroots efforts into a national movement for education, inclusion, and opportunity through sport.” UNICEF Nigeria expressed strong interest in the proposal, noting its alignment with their core objectives, including child protection, youth engagement, skill development, and peacebuilding through sport. The organization confirmed its capacity for nationwide implementation through existing youth programs and structures. If finalized, this would mark UNICEF Nigeria’s first sports-based development initiative. The proposed collaboration is poised to become a landmark program for youth and fencing development in Africa, with all parties committed to building a scalable, impactful model for long-term success.

23rd African Fencing Championships Fallout: Akinyosoye Emerges as Nigeria’s Highest-Ranked Fencer

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

Following a standout performance at the 23rd African Fencing Championships, Oluwafolayemi Akinyosoye has emerged as Nigeria’s highest-ranked fencer globally. The latest rankings released by the International Fencing Federation (FIE) earlier this week place Akinyosoye at 65th in the men’s senior sabre category. Akinyosoye, a quarterfinalist in the individual men’s sabre event, stunned spectators by defeating top seed and Olympic silver medallist Fares Farjani of Tunisia in a tense preliminary round bout, edging him 5-4 at Charterhouse Lagos. The 20-year-old UK-based athlete, who previously represented England at cadet and junior levels, has now overtaken Inkosi Brou as Nigeria’s top-ranked fencer. Despite being displaced in the senior rankings, Brou remains Nigeria’s highest-ranked junior fencer, holding the 23rd position globally. The US-based athlete, and grandson of former NAFDAC DG Prof. Dora Akunyili, continues to be a key figure in Nigeria’s fencing development. In the senior men’s epee category, Mahadi Idongesit leads the Nigerian contingent at 206th, followed by Wisdom Okanlawon (209), Mahathir Idongesit (212), and Adegbola Babade (215). For senior men’s foil, Oritsematosan Egbesemirone is ranked 116th, with Olumuyiwa Ige (502) and Alex Aninyei (504) also making the list. Among the women, 13-year-old Peluola Akinbamiro is Nigeria’s sole representative in the senior women’s foil rankings, placed at 441st. In senior women’s epee, Adebodunrin Thomas leads at 186th, followed by Sara Idongesit (190) and Somtochukwu Eribenne (530). Team rankings also saw a boost. The Nigerian women’s epee team, which finished fifth at the African Championships, is now ranked 36th globally. In the senior men’s team rankings, Nigeria holds 43rd in epee and 28th in foil. President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation, Adeyinka Samuel, described the rankings as a reflection of the country’s growing potential in the sport. “Hosting the African Championships was not just about welcoming international athletes; it was about empowering our fencers to improve their global standing,” Samuel said. “These rankings open doors for our athletes to participate in more international tournaments and enhance their chances of qualifying for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.” He added, “We are excited about this development and hope it will attract the support needed from both the private and public sectors, especially following the success of the 23rd African Championships.”

My Los Angeles 2028 Olympics Dream Is Still on Track, Says Inkosi Brou

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

Despite exiting in the knockout stage of the individual men’s sabre event at the 23rd African Fencing Championships, Nigeria’s fencing sensation Inkosi Brou remains confident that his dream of qualifying for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games is still alive. Brou, Nigeria’s highest-ranked fencer at both junior and senior levels, showcased his talent at the continental tournament, which concluded over the weekend in Lagos. He advanced from the group stage, competing against a field of seasoned athletes. In the preliminary round, Brou defeated Guinea’s Conte Aboubacar 5-0 in his opening bout and overcame Algeria’s Akram Bounabi 5-3. He then lost 0-5 to Egypt’s Ziad Elsissy, bounced back with a 5-1 win over Niger Republic’s Ali Djibo, and concluded the group stage with a 0-5 loss to African champion Ahmed Ferjani of Tunisia. Despite the mixed results, Brou finished among the top three in his group of six, securing a spot in the knockout stage. In the first-round bout, Brou took an early lead against fifth seed Evann Girault of Niger Republic. However, a tactical error allowed his opponent to stage a comeback and win the closely contested match 15-11. Though disappointed with the outcome, the bronze medallist at the 2025 African Junior Championships remains undeterred in his Olympic pursuit. “I believe my 2028 Olympic dream is still intact. It’s a step-by-step journey, and I just need to stay consistent,” he said. Brou, the grandson of the late NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Dora Akunyili, described the recently concluded African Fencing Championships in Lagos as a positive development for the sport. He expressed hope that more events would be organized to raise awareness and participation among young Nigerians. “Hosting the continental tournament means a lot for fencing. It was well-organized and proved that Nigeria is capable of hosting more international fencing events,” he added. Acknowledging the challenges of competing in multiple international events, Brou—who made history as the first Nigerian fencer to win a medal at an international tournament—said: “Travelling and competing at this level is tough, especially with my Olympic aspirations. But with the support of my parents and coaches, I’m managing well. Hopefully, it will all pay off with a ticket to the 2028 Olympics.” He also acknowledged the enduring legacy of his grandmother: “Yes, my grandmother’s influence has opened doors for me. What she achieved continues to inspire and guide us. We’re trying to follow the path she laid down.”

Egypt Sweeps Individual Gold Medals at 23rd African Fencing Championships

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

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.

Akinyosoye Stuns Top Seed as Brou Misses Podium Finish at 23rd African Fencing Championships

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

Nigeria’s Oluwafolayemi Akinyosoye delivered one of the standout performances of the 23rd African Fencing Championships, pulling off a major upset in the individual men’s sabre event by defeating top seed and Olympic silver medallist Fares Farjani of Tunisia in the preliminary round. The 20-year-old, who recently switched allegiance to Nigeria after representing England at cadet and junior levels, edged Farjani 5-4 in a tense bout that sent shockwaves through the competition and sparked jubilant celebrations among Nigerian supporters. His victory over the Paris 2024 silver medallist not only marked a personal milestone but also secured his place in the knockout stages. Akinyosoye carried his momentum into the round of 16, where he dispatched Algeria’s Lotfi Ibrihen with a commanding 15-9 win. However, his impressive run came to an end in the quarterfinals, where he fell 15-8 to sixth seed Ahmed Ferjani of Tunisia. Despite the loss, Akinyosoye’s spirited display earned widespread applause and signaled a promising future for the young fencer on the continental stage. Meanwhile, fellow Nigerian Inkosi Brou, a bronze medalist at the African Junior Championships and grandson of the late NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Dora Akunyili, narrowly missed out on a podium finish. Brou showcased his skill and composure through the early rounds but was edged out 15-11 by Niger Republic’s fifth seed Evann Girault in the round of 16. In a surprising twist, defending champion Fares Ferjani also exited the competition early, losing 15-13 to Egypt’s Adham Moataz in the round of 16, further opening up the field in the men’s sabre event. In the individual women’s epee event, Nigeria’s Sarah Idongesit and Adebodunrin, two of the youngest competitors in the field, advanced from the group stage into the knockout rounds. Both fencers were eventually eliminated in the round of 32 by more experienced opponents from Morocco and Algeria, but their progression highlighted the growing depth of Nigeria’s fencing talent. The championships continue on Friday, June 27, with action in the individual men’s foil and women’s sabre events. With several young Nigerian athletes already making headlines, expectations remain high for more breakout performances as the tournament progresses.

Nigeria Secures Top Italian Coach for 2025 African Fencing Championships

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago54 mins

As part of the strategic four-year partnership between the Nigerian Fencing Federation (NFF) and the Italian Fencing Federation (Federazione Italiana Scherma, FIS), a top-tier Italian coach will arrive in Lagos this June to work with the Nigerian team ahead of the 2025 African Senior Fencing Championships, which will take place from June 25 to 29 in Lagos. The partnership, signed in December 2024, aims to accelerate the development of fencing in Nigeria through technical support and knowledge exchange. The deployment of an elite Italian coach is one ofthe key deliverables of this collaboration. Riccardo Bardine, a highly respected figure in the international fencing community, will lead a two-week intensive training program for Nigerian coaches and athletes. Bardine is a certified fencing coach, strength and conditioning expert, and Paralympic sports specialist. He studied Sport Science and completed his fencing education at the prestigious Club Scherma Pisa Antonio Di Ciolo—one of the world’s most renowned fencing institutions. Bardine brings a wealth of experience, having coached at elite clubs such as Circolo Scherma La Spezia and Club Scherma Rapallo. He has also served on the coaching staff of Italy’s U17 National Épée Team and has trained top-level athletes in both foil and épée disciplines. As a former athlete, Bardine boasts an impressive résumé: a bronze medal at the Italian U23 Foil Championships, a silver at the National Team Championships (B Series, promoted to A Series), and two selections for the Junior National Épée Team at World Cups. He is also a certified Olympic weightlifting coach and specializes in physical preparation for both able-bodied and Paralympic athletes. Beyond the training camp, Bardine will lead the technical crew of TeamNigeria during the African Championships in Lagos. President of the Nigerian Fencing Federation, Adeyinka Samuel, expressed his excitement about the development, emphasizing the federation’s commitment to growing the sport and enhancing the capacity of both athletes and coaches. “This is one of the many benefits of our international partnership with a top fencing nation. Bringing a coach of Bardine’s caliber to Nigeria is not only cost-effective but also impactful, as it allows our coaches and athletes, both local and foreign-based, to learn directly from a world-class expert,” Samuel said. “We remain committed to seeking more support from both the private and public sectors as we work toward our ultimate goal: qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles,” Samuel said.

Nigerian Fencing secures N40m equipment for 2024 Junior Epee World Cup

Fola Badmus12 months ago12 months ago03 mins

Nigeria, recognized as the leading fencing nation in Sub-Saharan Africa, will host the Fencing World Cup this December. The event is sanctioned by the Switzerland-based International Fencing Federation (FIE). Absolute Fencing, a leading fencing equipment manufacturer based in the USA, has donated five aluminum fencing pistes (each measuring 1.5 m x 17 m) valued at ₦40m. Gary Lu, President of Absolute Fencing, stated, “Absolute Fencing is pleased with the progress made by the Nigerian Fencing Federation and their dedication to advancing the sport in Nigeria. As part of our commitment to supporting the growth of fencing across Africa, we are proud to donate these fencing pistes to the Nigerian Fencing Federation for the upcoming 2024 Junior Men’s Epee World Cup in December.” An excited Adeyinka Samuel, President of the Nigerian Fencing Federation, emphasized that this support would motivate them to ensure a successful tournament and called on corporate bodies and individuals to support the federation’s efforts to elevate Nigeria’s status in the global fencing community. “Nigeria has successfully hosted several major international tournaments over the years, establishing itself as the frontrunner in Sub-Saharan Africa. Currently, Nigeria is the only Sub-Saharan country with the right to host a Fencing World Cup. This donation is a testament to the international recognition of our achievements in developing the sport, particularly as fencing pistes are the most expensive equipment in the sport. We now call on local organizations to support and partner with us as Nigeria continues to host these historic events,” Samuel said.