Esiovwa-Thompson reveals decision to ditch England for Nigerian national team

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Seventeen-year-old Oghenegaren Esiovwa-Thompson says his desire to represent Nigeria and pursue his Olympic dream influenced his decision to switch allegiance from England.

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Esiovwa-Thompson made history on Sunday by becoming the first Nigerian to win gold at the Commonwealth Fencing Championships after triumphing in the men’s U-23 epee event at Rugby School Nigeria.

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The teenager defeated three Indian opponents on his way to the title, with his grandparents among those cheering him on.

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The victory came after years of representing England, during which he won several medals before deciding to fence for Nigeria.

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“There’s always been something in me that longed to fence for Nigeria,” Esiovwa-Thompson said.

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“Even though I grew up in England, I knew representing Nigeria would be the right path to fulfil my Olympic dream.”

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The teenager said the gold medal was the reward for the hard work that went into his preparation.

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“A lot of training, sweat and tears went into this. I’m just happy I won in front of Nigerians, in front of my family. It means everything,” he said.

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Esiovwa-Thompson, who has been fencing for most of his life, said his international experience helped him remain composed throughout the competition.

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“I’ve been fencing longer than I haven’t been fencing. I knew how to stay calm, stay relaxed and take each match one at a time,” he said.

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He also credited the home crowd for helping him secure the historic victory.

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“It was the first time I experienced that kind of atmosphere. The cheers from the fans hit me every time I stepped onto the stage. Their support was key to my victory,” he said.

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The significance of his achievement only dawned on him shortly before the final when he learnt that he could become Nigeria’s first Commonwealth Fencing Championships gold medallist in fencing.

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“I didn’t realise I was the first Nigerian to win gold at the Commonwealth Fencing Championships until just before the final,” he said.

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“Doing this in front of my grandparents, in front of the fans—it’s overwhelming. Everything is just coming to me now, and I’m proud to represent my country.”

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