Team Nigeria is gearing up for the Commonwealth Fencing Federation Championships in Lagos, with the event scheduled to run from August 9 to August 14. The squad arrives with clear goals, strong preparation, and a belief that the next step on the international trail can deliver medals.
Quick facts
- Commonwealth Fencing Federation Championships take place in Lagos from August 9 to August 14.
- Team Nigeria includes Adebodunri Thomas and Alex Chizim Aninyei.
- Thomas, aged 17, is Nigeria’s top-ranked female épée fencer.
- Both fencers previously made an impact at the 2025 African Championships.
- Thomas targets a return to the last 16, as she reached at the Junior African Championships.
- Aninyei aims to advance from the pools, reach direct elimination, and win a medal.
- Coach Ibrahim Alogba believes Nigeria can claim medals thanks to improved unity and exposure to top-level events.
Two of the standout members of the party are rising talents Adebodunri Thomas and Alex Chizim Aninyei. Having first put their stamp on the 2025 African Championships, they are now ready to represent Nigeria on a larger, more demanding platform.
Thomas, only 17, has already risen to the top of Nigeria’s rankings in the women’s épée category. While she recognizes the challenge that awaits, she is approaching the Commonwealth meet with calm confidence and a readiness to adapt to a higher level of opposition.
She said the tournament will be a different experience from what Nigeria has previously faced, adding that her expectations remain high. “I have very high expectations and I think it’s going to be really challenging; this won’t be like the African Championships. I hope to reach the last 16 again, as I did in the Junior African Championships. More importantly, fencing against some of the world’s top athletes is a great opportunity. I’ve trained every day since returning from school, working with my coach on new techniques, and I’m eager to put them into practice,” Thomas said.
Aninyei, 19, echoed the excitement of the opportunity to wear the national colours. With international match-ups on the horizon, he is focused on sharpening his craft against a wide range of fencers and turning that experience into tangible tournament progress.
His statement was equally direct about his ambitions. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to represent Nigeria. I look forward to engaging with diverse fencers from around the world, gaining experience, and testing the skills I’ve honed over the years. My goal is to qualify from the pools, reach the direct elimination rounds, and, of course, win a medal,” he declared.
Coach’s message
For national coach Ibrahim Alogba, the Championships are about far more than one week of results. He views the competition as a stage for Nigeria to underline its development and show the strides the team has made against stronger global opposition.
“We’re very ready, and we still have time to prepare further. The Commonwealth Championships are no small event, but our team is stronger now, more united than before. With the chemistry we’ve built and the exposure to world-class tournaments, I believe we can bring home medals,” Alogba affirmed.
With Lagos set to welcome the fencing world, Nigeria’s campaign carries momentum and belief. For Thomas, Aninyei, and the rest of the team, the Commonwealth Championships are both a test of technique and temperament—and a chance to write another chapter for Nigeria in the annals of Commonwealth fencing.
