United States-based Inkosi Brou, and Oluwafolayemi Akinyosoye, who is based in the United Kingdom (UK) are among the 12-member strong team assembled by the Nigeria Fencing Federation (NFF) for the 23rd African Fencing Championships, billed to hold at Charterhouse Lagos, from June 25 to 29, 2025.

They are joined by Wisdom Okanlawon; siblings Mahatir and Mahadi Idongesit, Olumuyiwa Ige, Oritsematosan Egbesemirone, Alex Chizim Aninyei, and Babade Adegbola, who are home-based.
 
Also in the squad are four women, Peluola Akinbamiro, Somto Eribenne, Sara Idongesit, and Adebodunrin Thomas.
 
Brou, who recently clinched bronze at the 2025 African Junior Championships in Angola, brings valuable experience to the squad despite being just 17 years old.
 
He has competed in several international tournaments this year as part of his journey toward qualifying for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
 
Notably, he is the grandson of the late NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Dora Akunyili.
 
Team Nigeria will compete in both individual and team events across the three fencing disciplines: foil, epee, and sabre.
 
Speaking ahead of the championship, National Coach, Ibrahim Alogba, expressed confidence in the youthful team, noting their potential to surprise more experienced opponents.
 
“Our team is the youngest in terms of age and experience, which reduces the pressure on them. This could work in our favor. We may be young, but we are not intimidated by records or reputations. We are ready to break Nigeria’s medal drought in this tournament,” he said.
 
Italian coach, Riccardo Bardin, who has been training the team since his arrival a week ago, also praised the athletes’ potential, but urged patience as they continue to develop.
  
In addition to the host nation, Nigeria, other participating countries are Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Benin Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Algeria, Senegal, Mauritius, Angola, Rwanda, Niger, South Africa, Guinea, Libya, Burkina Faso, and Cape Verde. The tournament will feature 12 events, like six individual and six team events in foil, epee, and sabre.