Team Nigeria is heading to the 2025 World Junior and Cadet Fencing Championships in Wuxi, China, with a team full of hope and determination. The six-man squad, comprising four boys and two girls, is poised to compete from April 7 to 15, 2025, with their eyes firmly set on achieving new milestones.
At the helm of the squad is 17-year-old Inkosi Brou, the highest-ranked fencer in Nigeria. Brou, a seasoned athlete, has competed in over five tournaments this year alone and is the first Nigerian fencer to win a medal in an international competition. His ambition for the 2025 World Championships is clear: to improve his world ranking and make the top 16 in the junior men’s Sabre individual event.
“My target is to make the top 16 in the junior men’s Sabre individual event, improve my junior FIE rank, and perform better than I did last year at the Junior/Cadet World Championships in Saudi Arabia,” Brou shared, emphasizing his goal of representing Nigeria proudly on the world stage.
The Idongesit Siblings: Rising Stars
The squad also features the Idongesit siblings—Mahathir (18), Mahadi (14), and Sara (13)—who are all making their international debut in China. The trio brings excitement and determination to the competition, each setting their own ambitious goals.
Mahathir, the oldest of the siblings, has set a target to finish in the top eight in his first world junior championship. “My target in China is to make it to the top eight. I also hope to give my best no matter the outcome,” he stated, showcasing a calm and focused mindset.
Young Mahadi, 14, has a more ambitious target, hoping to finish among the top three in the competition. “My target is to get on the podium and finish among the top three. I will give it my all to achieve this,” Mahadi said, displaying his competitive spirit.
Sara, at just 13, aims to gain valuable experience while aiming for the top 16. “My target in China is to reach the top 16 and give it everything I have. I see this as a valuable opportunity to learn and grow. No matter who I fence against, I’ll give it my all,” Sara shared, showing maturity beyond her years.
Peluola Akinbamiro’s International Ambitions
The squad also includes 13-year-old Peluola Akinbamiro, who competed at this year’s African Junior Championships in Angola. While his ambitions are modest, Akinbamiro remains optimistic about his performance in Wuxi. “I am hoping to make it to the top eight or higher and that everything will run smoothly,” Akinbamiro said.
Nigeria will be facing stiff competition at the championships, with other African nations like Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, South Africa, Togo, and Tunisia also participating. These countries have strong fencing traditions and will undoubtedly challenge Nigeria’s rising stars for podium finishes.
The World Junior and Cadet Fencing Championships, hosted annually by the International Fencing Federation (FIE), bring together the best young fencers from around the world. For Nigeria’s squad, this marks a significant step toward furthering their international careers and making their mark on the world stage.
As the championships draw near, Team Nigeria’s fencers are ready to give their best, filled with optimism and a desire to make their country proud. From the leadership of Inkosi Brou to the determination of the Idongesit siblings and Peluola Akinbamiro, all eyes will be on Nigeria’s young fencers as they strive for excellence in China.
