The Nigeria Fencing Federation (NFF) has announced a seven-man squad for the 2024 Men’s Junior Epee Fencing World Cup, scheduled for 14-15 December at Charterhouse Lagos, Afrosport reports.
Former African cadet and national junior champion, Wisdom Okanlawon, headlines the young Nigerian squad.
The 17-year-old brings valuable experience from the 2022 African Championships, where he excelled for Nigeria.
Okanlawon will be joined by 15-year-old Kiibaati Opasanya, the national school vice-champion, who will make his international debut at this tournament.
The seven-member Nigerian squad also includes Oluwashemilore Fashola (17), Mustapha Fuad (16), Olumuyiwa Ige (17), Bade Martins (17), and Ramadan Sumon (15).
Under the tutelage of coach Ibrahim Alogba, the young fencers are looking forward to giving their on the international stage best as they don the colours of Nigeria.
Fashola, however, expressed his delight at participating in his first international tournament.
“I can’t wait to compete against the best in the world,” said the 17-year-old. “This is an opportunity for us to improve our world ranking and perform well.
“I must thank the federation for allowing me to compete in this event, and I am looking forward to the tournament.”
Meanwhile, some participating athletes and teams have started arriving on Thursday, 12 December ahead of Saturday’s kick-off.
The Commonwealth Fencing Federation (CFF), led by its Technical Committee Chairman, Peter Smith, is in Lagos to monitor the success of the two-day tournament as part of the prerequisites to award the 2026 Commonwealth Championships to Nigeria.
Referees from South Africa and Senegal have also arrived in Lagos in readiness for the first Fencing World Cup in Sub-Saharan Africa.
An official of the International Fencing Federation (FIE), Zied Feriani, who is the President of the FIE Rules Commission, has also touched down in Lagos to supervise the tournament.
