Nigerian teenage fencing sensation, Inkosi Brou, will lead a four-man contingent to the 2026 African Junior Fencing Championships from February 16th – 20th in Dakar, Senegal.
Brou, 18, is Nigeria’s first global fencing medallist. He won silver at the 2024 World Tournoi Satellite Cup and is ranked 13th globally in the men’s sabre category. He also also secured bronze at the 2025 African Junior Championships.
Joining him in Dakar are Mahathir Idongesit (men’s épée), Sara Idongesit (women’s épée) and Adebodunrin Thomas (women’s épée).
The quartet will compete in individual and team events, with Brou featuring in men’s sabre and Mahathir in men’s épée. Sara and Thomas will represent Nigeria in the women’s épée individual and team competitions.
National coach, Ibrahim Alogba expressed confidence in the team’s chances, describing the event as key preparation for the Commonwealth Championships in Lagos this August.
“We are excited that our fencers will compete against Africa’s best juniors,” he said. “Our aim is to surpass last year’s bronze medal finish in Angola.”
“With the exposure gained from recent competitions, including the Fencing World Cup in Egypt, we believe our athletes are better prepared.”
Nigeria Fencing Federation President, Adeyinka Samuel, praised parents and guardians for supporting the athletes’ international outings. He reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to developing young talents and called for greater investment in fencing.
Samuel stressed that Nigeria has the potential to qualify fencers for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
The Dakar championships will feature leading nations including Senegal, Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, Tunisia and Kenya.