Nigeria's Fencing Team Aims for Success at Commonwealth Championships

With the Commonwealth Fencing Federation Championships coming up in Lagos from August 9 to 14, Team Nigeria is excited and ready to compete.

The team includes two promising fencers, Adebodunri Thomas and Alex Chizim Aninyei. They first showed their skills at the 2025 African Championships and are now set to represent Nigeria on a larger stage.

Just 17 years old, Thomas is already Nigeria’s top female épée fencer. She knows the challenge ahead is big but feels confident.

“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 said.

Her teammate, 19-year-old Aninyei, is also feeling the excitement.

“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 said with determination.

For national coach Ibrahim Alogba, the championships mean more than just competing. They are a chance for Nigeria to show its growth on the international stage.

“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 stated.

As Lagos gets ready to host the fencing world, Team Nigeria is hopeful and full of spirit. For Thomas, Aninyei, and their teammates, these championships are not just a test of skills but also a chance to make Nigeria proud in Commonwealth fencing.