The much-anticipated African Fencing Championships kicked off in grand style at Charterhouse Lagos, bringing together over 150 athletes from 24 countries.
President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation, Samuel Adeyinka, talked about the event as a landmark moment for the sport in the country.
“This championship is an opportunity for our young athletes to learn, and it’s also a statement to the world that Nigeria can host not just African-level events but world-class competitions,” he said.
As expected, African fencing powerhouse Egypt made an early statement. In the men’s individual épée, Mohamed Elsayed edged out compatriot Mahmoud Mohsen in a nail-biting 15-14 final to claim gold. Mohsen took home the silver.
In the women’s individual foil, Sara Amr Hosny added to Egypt’s medal tally with a commanding 15-8 victory over Maxine Isabel Esteban, who secured silver for her efforts.
Team Nigeria showed flashes of promise, with Adegbola Babade, Wisdom Okanlawon, and brothers Mahadi and Mahathir Idongesit all advancing past the pool stages before bowing out in the knockout rounds.
Mahathir came closest to causing an upset, pushing champion Mahmoud Elsayed to the limit before falling in the round of 32.
The championships continue today with the men’s individual sabre, women’s individual épée, and the men’s and women’s finals in both sabre and épée.