Nigeria’s rising fencing talent will take center stage as 17-year-old Wisdom Okanlawon leads a seven-man team at the 2024 Men’s Junior Epee Fencing World Cup.
Scheduled for December 14-15, the landmark event will be hosted at Charterhouse Lagos, marking the first Fencing World Cup in Sub-Saharan Africa.
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Announcing the squad on Thursday, the Nigeria Fencing Federation highlighted Okanlawon’s exceptional pedigree. A former African cadet champion and national junior champion, Okanlawon also represented Nigeria impressively at the 2022 African Championships.
Joining him is 15-year-old Kiibaati Opasanya, the national school vice-champion, set to make his international debut. The team also features Oluwashemilore Fashola (17), Mustapha Fuad (16), Olumuyiwa Ige (17), Bade Martins (17), and Ramadan Sumon (15), showcasing the depth of Nigeria’s junior fencing talent.
“We’re thrilled to host this historic tournament and showcase our young athletes on an international stage,” said the federation’s spokesperson. “This event will not only elevate fencing in Nigeria but also demonstrate our capacity to host world-class competitions.”
With athletes and officials arriving on December 12, preparations are in full swing. The Commonwealth Fencing Federation’s Technical Committee Chairman, Peter Smith, is attending the event to assess Nigeria’s readiness to host the 2026 Commonwealth Championships.
Referees from South Africa and Senegal are also in Lagos to ensure the smooth execution of this highly anticipated two-day tournament.
The Junior Epee Fencing World Cup is set to be a defining moment for Nigeria’s sporting history, as the nation cements its position on the global fencing map.
