2025 African Fencing Championship: Nigeria’s Okanlawon, Idongesit Siblings Exit in Knockout Stage

Posted : 26 June 2025

Team Nigeria put up a spirited performance at the ongoing 23rd Senior African Fencing Championship in Lagos. Rising stars Wisdom Okanlawon and the Idongesit siblings, Mahadi and Mahathir, impressed in the preliminary rounds but were eventually knocked out during the Men’s Individual Épée event. Despite facing seasoned opponents, the trio showcased remarkable skill and determination.

Veteran fencer Adegbola Babade, the oldest member of Team Nigeria, progressed to the round of 32 but was also eliminated.

With all Nigerian fencers now out of contention, the knockout rounds highlighted the experience gap as local athletes bowed out to more seasoned adversaries.

Mahathir Idongesit, who narrowly lost to World Junior Champion Mahmoud El-Sayed in the round of 32, remained optimistic.

“I’m thrilled to have fenced against one of the best in the world. It was a close contest, and I enjoyed every moment. This experience has boosted my confidence and will stay with me for a long time,” he said.

Egypt celebrated its first gold medal of the tournament, reaffirming its dominance in African fencing.

The championship's opening ceremony coincided with the birthday of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who declared the tournament open. He was represented by the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu.

The event welcomed over 200 athletes from 26 African nations, including Tunisia, Morocco, Kenya, Egypt, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Benin Republic.

In his goodwill message, Governor Sanwo-Olu described Lagos as the “vibrant aquatic heartbeat of Africa,” and urged stakeholders to explore fencing’s potential for youth empowerment, social progress, and economic transformation.

He emphasized that the championship serves as a platform to reposition fencing as a tool for youth inclusion and community development.

“This championship opens the door to key conversations on fencing’s role in promoting broader social good,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

He highlighted ongoing collaborations between fencing bodies and UNICEF on using the sport to address youth empowerment, child protection, and poverty reduction.

Sanwo-Olu also announced that Nigeria would host the 2026 Senior and Veteran Commonwealth Fencing Championship, marking the first time the event will be held on African soil. He projected an economic boost of $5 million to $6 million from the event.

“I congratulate everyone involved in organising this wonderful competition,” the governor concluded.

The five-day tournament continues at Charterhouse Lagos, featuring individual and team events across various fencing disciplines, with African powerhouses battling for continental glory.

2025 African Fencing Championship: Nigeria’s Okanlawon, Idongesit Siblings Exit in Knockout Stage

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