The much-anticipated African Fencing Championships kicked off in grand fashion at the Charterhouse Lagos, with over 150 athletes from 24 countries competing for continental glory.

According to Nigeria Fencing Federation President Samuel Adeyinka, hosting the championship is a major step for the country.

“This championship is an opportunity for our young athletes to learn and also a chance to show the world that Nigeria is capable of hosting fencing events,not just for Africa, but at the global level,” he said.

As expected, continental heavyweights Egypt have begun asserting their dominance. In the men’s individual épée event, Mohamed Elsayed clinched gold after a tightly contested 15-14 victory over compatriot Mahmoud Mohsen, who settled for silver.

In the women’s individual foil final, Sara Amr Hosny also delivered for Egypt, defeating Maxine Isabel Esteban 15-8 to take the top spot on the podium. Esteban earned silver.

For Nigeria, there were flashes of promise. Adegbola Babade, Wisdom Okanlawon, and the Idongesit brothers, Mahadi and Mahathir, all advanced from their respective pools before exiting in the knockout rounds of the men’s individual events.

Mahathir Idongesit came closest to a major upset but fell narrowly to world junior champion Mahmoud Elsayed in the round of 32. 

The event will continue today with the individual men's Sabre event, the individual women Epee and the men and women's Sabre and Epee finals