Nigeria names squad for Commonwealth Fencing Champs

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Nigeria has named a 25-member squad for this year’s Commonwealth Fencing Championships, which will be held in Lagos from August 9 to 14 at Rugby School Nigeria, Eko Atlantic City, Victoria Island, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

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The squad comprises 12 para fencers and 13 athletes in the able-bodied category.

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The team is led by UK-based sabreur Folayemi Akinyosoye and Adebodunrin Thomas.

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Akinyosoye, ranked No. 119 in the world, has grown into a leadership role after gaining experience at major continental competitions, including reaching the quarter-finals of the 2025 African Championships.

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At 21, he will captain Nigeria’s men’s sabre team in both the U-23 and senior events as he competes in front of the home fans.

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Adebodunrin is also regarded as one of the rising stars of Nigerian fencing. She made her debut at the 2025 African Championships in Lagos, helping the women’s épée team secure a top-five finish.

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At the African Senior Championships in Abidjan earlier this year, she progressed beyond the group stages before losing 15–12 to Egypt’s Loulwa Soliman.

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Other fencers in the men’s squad include Chizim Aninyei, Adegbola Babade, Wisdom Okanlawon, Diekolola Johnson, Nabil Oseni, Oghenegaren Thompson, Martins Olabaderinwa and Olagunju Zaafir.

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On the women’s side, Oluwafiifehanmi Babatunde, Erinle Teniayo and Okpaleke Mekachi will also represent Nigeria.

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The para team is evenly split between six men and six women. The men’s squad features Oduneye Opeoluwa, Adibe Bright, Owolabi Daniel, Ajani Idowu, Adeniji Michael, and Owoyele Damilola. The women’s team includes Obilor Chidinma, Rahamon Abiola, Iorguna Joy, Ezeamwafor Esther, Otun Joyce, and Kumuyi Itunu — all set to make their debut at the tournament.

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National coach Ibrahim Alogba believes the team’s blend of experience and ambition could prove decisive at the championships.

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“They have been exposed to top-class tournaments across the globe,” he said. “Those experiences will be handy at the Commonwealth Championships. With home support, I believe we can win medals.”

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The championships will be staged in Nigeria for the first time and will mark the first senior Commonwealth fencing tournament to be hosted in Africa.

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