Governor To Declare Open 23rd African Championship In Nigeria

Governor To Declare Open 23rd African Championship In Nigeria 

By Niyi Busari 

 The spotlight turns to Lagos this week as over 150 of Africa’s top fencers arrive in Nigeria’s bustling commercial capital for the 23rd African Fencing Championships, taking place from June 25 to 29, 2025, at Charterhouse Lagos, West Africa’s premier British independent school, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The prestigious five-day tournament, featuring 12 events across three weapons—épée, foil, and sabre—will officially be declared open on Wednesday, June 25 by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

This year’s edition draws 100 men and 50 women from 18 countries, setting the stage for world-class competition as regional champions, Olympic medallists, and rising stars battle for continental supremacy—and crucial qualification points for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

The event also marks a milestone for Charterhouse Lagos, which made history in 2024 by hosting Nigeria’s first-ever Fencing World Cup.

High-Stakes Competition and Olympic Talent on Display

The championship will feature individual and team events, with early-round contests building toward what promises to be an electrifying series of medal matches. Fans can expect a showcase of precision, strategy, and athleticism as Africa’s finest fencers compete for gold.

With Olympic medalists from Paris 2024 in every weapon class, the tournament promises fierce rivalries and thrilling duels.

Athletes to Watch

Men’s Épée

Egypt’s Mohamed El-Sayed, bronze medalist at Paris 2024 and reigning African champion, headlines the field. He will be challenged by his younger brother, Mahmoud El-Sayed, the current world junior champion, along with Egypt’s Shamel Youssef, Osama Eslam, and Elkord Houssam—making Egypt the clear favorite in both individual and team events.

Women’s Épée

Defending champion Alexandra Ndolo of Kenya, based in Germany, leads the field. She will face tough competition from Tunisian and Egyptian contenders in what is expected to be a hotly contested draw.

Men’s Sabre

Tunisian star Ferjani Fares, ranked world No. 3 and silver medalist in Paris, returns to defend his dominance. He’ll be challenged by Egypt’s Mohamed Amer (2024 African champion) and Adham Moataz (2024 silver medalist). Nigeria’s Brou Inkosi, just 17, will look to make his mark in front of a home crowd.

Women’s Sabre

Cameroon’s Lorina Essomba returns as defending champion but will need to hold off a formidable Egyptian squad known for its aggressive, fast-paced style.

Men’s Foil

Egypt’s Mohamed Hamza, the reigning African champion, is set for a high-profile clash with Tolba Abdelrahman, the world’s top-ranked junior. A showdown between the two could be one of the championship’s highlights.

Women’s Foil

All eyes will be on Yara Elsharkawy of Egypt, who swept individual and team gold at the 2024 African Championships. The 26-year-old returns to Lagos aiming to repeat that feat.

Team Events: Egypt Remains the Powerhouse

In team events, Egypt remains the dominant force, especially in men’s and women’s foil and épée. The women’s team, bolstered by Olympic-caliber talent, will seek a clean sweep across all weapons. Meanwhile, Tunisia’s men’s sabre team, the defending champions, must overcome Egypt’s deep and experienced squad to retain their crown.

Home Advantage: Nigeria’s Fencers Eye Breakthrough

Team Nigeria enters the championship with a renewed sense of purpose, aiming to end a long-standing medal drought at the continental level. The 12-member squad, made up of both homegrown and foreign-based athletes, is one of the youngest teams in the competition.

Leading the team is Brou Inkosi, Nigeria’s highest-ranked fencer, whose experience and competitive edge offer hope for a breakthrough on home soil. With Olympic qualification points on the line, this championship represents a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s fencing journey.