World No. 13 Anchors Nigeria’s Team At African Junior Championships

World No. 13 Anchors Nigeria’s Team At African Junior Championships

By Niyi Busari 

Teenage fencing sensation Inkosi Brou will lead Nigeria’s four-athlete delegation to the African Junior Fencing Championships scheduled to take place in Dakar, Senegal, from February 16 to 20, 2026, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Brou will be joined by Mahathir Idongesit, Sara Idongesit, and Adebodunrin Thomas as Nigeria competes in both individual and team events at the continental showpiece.

Brou, widely regarded as Nigeria’s most accomplished young fencer, will compete in the Men’s Sabre individual category, while Mahathir Idongesit features in the Men’s Épée event. On the women’s side, Sara Idongesit and Adebodunrin Thomas will represent the country in the Women’s Épée individual and team competitions.

At just 18, Brou carries significant medal prospects into the tournament. He made history in 2024 by securing Nigeria’s first-ever medal — a silver — at the World Tournoi Satellite Cup. Currently ranked 13th in the world in Men’s Sabre, he further underlined his pedigree with a bronze medal at the 2025 Junior Continental Championships.

His steady rise in international fencing has positioned him as one of Nigeria’s brightest prospects for Olympic qualification ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Games.

The Dakar championships are expected to feature Africa’s leading fencing nations, including hosts Senegal, Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, Tunisia, and Kenya, setting the stage for a highly competitive display of the continent’s emerging talents.

With a blend of youth, growing international experience, and rising confidence, Nigeria’s quartet will be aiming to make a strong statement on the continental stage.