Akinyosoye, Thomas Lead Team Nigeria at 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships

In Lagos this August, the spotlight of the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships will fall on two Nigerian fencers who embody both promise and resilience: Folayemi Akinyosoye and Adebodunrin Thomas.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow The Lagos Voice on Facebook and WhatsApp channel for latest updates

Akinyosoye, ranked No. 119 in the world, has grown into the role of leader almost naturally. At just 21, the UK-based sabreur has already tasted the intensity of continental competition, reaching the quarterfinals at the 2025 African Championships. Now, with the roar of home fans behind him, he steps onto the piste not just as a competitor but as captain of Nigeria’s men’s sabre team in both U-23 and senior events. For him, Lagos is more than a tournament — it’s a proving ground.

Thomas, meanwhile, represents the rising star of Nigerian fencing. Her debut at the 2025 African Championships in Lagos was nothing short of historic, helping the women’s épée team secure a top-five finish. In Abidjan earlier this year, she pushed past the group stages at the African Senior Championships, bowing out in a narrow 15–12 duel against Egypt’s Loulwa Soliman. That loss only sharpened her resolve. In Lagos, her ambition is clear: break into the final sixteen and challenge the world’s best.

Around them, a supporting cast of determined athletes fills out Team Nigeria. The men’s squad includes Chizim Aninyei, Adegbola Babade, Wisdom Okanlawon, Diekolola Johnson, Nabil Oseni, Oghenegaren Esiovwa Thompson, Martins Olabaderinwa, and Olagunju Zaafir. On the women’s side, Oluwafiifehanmi Babatunde, Erinle Teniayo, and Okpaleke Mekachi bring youthful energy and hunger to the piste.

National coach Ibrahim Alogba sees this blend of experience and ambition as Nigeria’s strongest asset. “They have been exposed to top-class tournaments across the globe,” he says. “Those experiences will be handy at the Commonwealth Championships. With home support, I believe we can win medals.”

PAY ATTENTION: Follow The Lagos Voice on Facebook and WhatsApp channel for latest updates

For Akinyosoye and Thomas, however, medals are only part of the story. Their presence at the Championships signals Nigeria’s growing stature in the sport — a nation stepping confidently onto the global stage, ready to fence not just for victory, but for recognition.