By Samuel Ahmadu

Team Nigeria's six-man squad is heading to the 2025 World Junior and Cadet Fencing Championships with high hopes, set to compete in Wuxi, China, from April 7 to 15. The squad, consisting of four boys and two girls, is led by 17-year-old Inkosi Brou, Nigeria’s highest-ranked fencer.

Brou, the grandson of former NAFDAC Director-General, is the country's most active fencer, having competed in over five tournaments this year alone. He is also the first Nigerian fencer to win a medal in an international event.

Brou, who aims to improve his world ranking ahead of the 2025 African Senior Championships in Lagos this June, shared his goals: "My target is to make the top 16 in the junior men’s Sabre individual event, improve my junior FIE rank, and perform better than I did last year at the Junior/Cadet World Championships in Saudi Arabia."

The squad also includes the Idongesit siblings, who will be making their international debut for Nigeria in China. Eighteen-year-old Mahathir Idongesit has his sights set on a top-eight finish. "My target in China is to make it to the top eight. I also hope to give my best no matter the outcome," he said. His younger brother, 14-year-old Mahadi, is focused on reaching the podium. "My target is to get on the podium and finish among the top three. I will give it my all to achieve this," he stated. Despite the challenging competition, Mahadi remains determined: "I expect to give my best no matter who I face in China."

Thirteen-year-old Sara Idongesit, who is making her debut at the international level, is aiming to gain valuable experience. "My target in China is to reach the top 16 and give it everything I have. I see this as a valuable opportunity to learn and grow. No matter who I fence against, I’ll give it my all," she shared.

US-based Peluola Akinbamiro, who competed at the African Junior Championships in Angola earlier this year, has more modest ambitions but remains optimistic. "I am hoping to make it to the top eight or higher and that everything will run smoothly," the 13-year-old said.

In addition to Nigeria, other African countries competing in China include Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, South Africa, Togo, and Tunisia. The World Cadets and Juniors Fencing Championships, organized annually by the International Fencing Federation (FIE), are an important event for aspiring fencers around the world.

As the competition begins, Team Nigeria is filled with optimism, aiming to make a mark on the international stage.