By TUNMISE OMOSOFE

Team Nigeria will compete at the 2026 World Fencing Championships in Hong Kong from July 22 to July 30, seeking valuable international experience.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the Nigeria Fencing Federation (NFF) confirmed the country’s participation in a statement issued by its Media Department on Sunday.

More than 1,000 elite fencers from over 100 countries will compete at AsiaWorld-Expo in the sport’s biggest event outside the Olympic Games.

The federation said the championships would expose Nigeria’s young athletes to world-class opposition while offering ranking points and invaluable competitive experience.

Eighteen-year-old Inkosi Brou will captain Nigeria’s challenge after rising to 65th globally following his quarter-final finish at the African Fencing Championships in Abidjan.

Brou will compete in the men’s sabre event alongside world number 120 Oluwafolayemi Akinyosoye and 16-year-old Olen Phoenix Zaoku.

Zaoku, ranked 507th globally, is the youngest competitor among 154 men’s sabre entrants and described qualifying as a major milestone in his development.

Seventeen-year-old Adebodunrin Thomas will represent Nigeria in the women’s épée competition as the country’s only female participant at the championships.

Thomas will battle 174 competitors after successive African Championship appearances strengthened her reputation as one of Nigeria’s brightest teenage fencing prospects.

National coach, Ibrahim Alogba, described the championships as another significant milestone in the continued development of fencing across Nigeria.

“We are excited that our fencers will have another opportunity to test their might against some of the finest athletes in the world.

“Beyond competition, this is about gaining valuable ranking points and building confidence ahead of the Commonwealth Championships next month.

“Every member of this team is capable of surprising the world. We have prepared well, and everyone understands the responsibility of representing Nigeria.

“We have a young team eager to learn, improve and compete at the highest level. This championship provides essential exposure against the world’s best,” Alogba said.

He expressed confidence the competition would improve the athletes’ rankings while sharpening their skills before next month’s Commonwealth Fencing Championships.

The federation said Nigeria’s participation reflected steady progress, with more young fencers competing consistently at continental and global championships.

NFF reaffirmed its commitment to providing international opportunities, aiming to build a formidable national team capable of challenging fencing’s traditional powerhouses in future competitions. (NAN)

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