• Sanwo-Olu: Championships showcasing Lagos to global audience

The sporting hall of the Rugby School, Eko Atlantic, Victoria Island, Lagos, erupted in joy on Sunday when 17-year-old Oghenegaren Esiovwa-Thompson won the country’s first gold medal at an international fencing tournament.

It was as soul-lifting a sporting experience as the fans have experienced in recent times, but the fact that the lad was competing for the nation following his change of allegiance from England made it more exhilarating.

Competing in the men’s U-23 epee, Esiovwa-Thompson was unbeaten in his class, defeating three top Indian opponents to emerge champion.

Esiovwa-Thompson said his decision to switch allegiance from England was driven by ambition.

“There’s something in me that has always longed to fence for Nigeria,” he explained.

“Even though I grew up in England and won several medals there, I knew representing Nigeria would be the right path to fulfil my Olympic dream,” he said.

Cheered on by his grandparents, the teenager reflected on the effort behind his success. “A lot of training, dedication, sweat and tears went into this. I’m just happy I won in front of Nigerians, in front of my family,” he said.

Having competed internationally for England, Esiovwa-Thompson said he never doubted his ability on the big stage. “I’ve been fencing longer than I haven’t been fencing,” he remarked. “I knew how to stay calm, stay relaxed, and take every match one at a time.”

The significance of his achievement only struck him after the final. “I didn’t realise I was the first Nigerian to win gold at the Commonwealth Championships until just before the final,” he admitted. “Doing this in front of my grandparents, in front of the fans—it’s overwhelming. Everything is just coming to me now, and I’m proud to represent my country.”

Initially unnoticed at the tournament, his flawless group-stage performance quickly made him the centre of attention. He credited the crowd’s energy for lifting his game. “It was the first time I experienced that kind of support. The cheers from the fans hit me every time I stepped onto the stage. Their support was key to my victory.”

Even as Nigeria’s lone representative, he said he felt no pressure.

“Because I’ve been fencing all my life, I knew what to do. I stayed calm, stayed relaxed, and took every match one at a time.”

For Nigeria, his triumph is a historic breakthrough. For Esiovwa-Thompson, it marks the beginning of a journey he hopes will lead to the Olympic Games, carrying the green and white flag with pride.

The event was officially declared open by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who described sport as one of humanity’s greatest unifying forces.

Welcoming athletes and officials from across the Commonwealth during the opening ceremony on Sunday, he expressed pride that Lagos was hosting the event, offering not only a competitive stage but also a chance for visitors to experience the city’s warmth and hospitality.

“Sport is still one major thing that brings everybody together,” Sanwo-Olu said. “It doesn’t matter where you’re from or what your background is; sport is a leveller and a unifier. It rallies the entire world together.”

The governor commended the organisers, particularly the leadership of the Commonwealth Fencing Federation, for choosing Lagos as host.

He assured both athletes and officials of the state government’s full support, emphasising Lagos’s commitment to excellence and its determination to use sport as a platform to place both the state and Nigeria firmly on the global map.