By VIVIAN AHANMISI

Nigeria’s women’s epee team celebrated a historic feat at the 23rd African Fencing Championships, winning their first-ever match and finishing in the competition’s top five.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the five-day tournament, held at Charterhouse, Lagos, ended with Egypt emerging as overall champions.

Following a quarterfinal loss to Algeria, the Nigerian team—Somtochukwu Eribenne, Sara Idongesit, and Adebodunirin Thomas — bounced back strongly to finish their campaign on a high.

They overcame Benin Republic 45-40 in the classification match for fifth place, showing teamwork and resilience to the delight of the home crowd.

An excited Thomas called the win a morale booster: “We are thrilled to get our first win and secure a top-five finish in the event.

“We worked hard together as a team, and our coach played a big part in helping us challenge our opponents.

“This experience will definitely boost our confidence heading into the next competition.

Egypt maintained its dominance in the men’s team foil event, defeating Angola convincingly in a one-sided final.

The Egyptian side—2025 men’s foil champion Abdelrahman Tolba, Karim Medhat, Mohamed Hamza, and Sief Elghayesh—crushed Nigeria 45-9 in the semifinals.

They then beat Angola 45-23 in the final, sealing another gold medal in commanding fashion.

Angola reached the final after a thrilling 45-44 comeback victory over Algeria in the semifinals.

In spite of Algeria’s strong start, Angola fought back spiritedly to earn their first podium finish in the competition.

In the women’s team epee final, Egypt was awarded gold after Algeria refused to continue the match, which had been tied 6-6.

The match ended with a P. Black decision in Egypt’s favour following Algeria’s withdrawal.

Egypt also won the women’s team sabre final, where Alanoud Hegazy, Nada Hafez, Nagwa Nofal, and Renad Eldoksh triumphed over Algeria 45-40.

With that win, Egypt added another gold to their growing tally in the championship.

Egypt topped the overall medal table with 11 gold, 5 silver, and 5 bronze medals.

Kenya came second with one gold, while Tunisia placed third, earning two silver and two bronze medals.

Algeria finished fourth with one silver and six bronze medals to their name.

Côte d’Ivoire and South Africa both secured one silver and one bronze medal each.

Angola earned one silver, while Morocco, Cape Verde, and Senegal each claimed one bronze medal.

NAN reports the five-day tournament, hosted by the Nigeria Fencing Federation at Charterhouse, Lagos, featured over 120 fencers from 18 countries. (NAN)