US-based fencer Akinbamiro chooses Nigeria
American-based teenage fencer Peluola Akinbamiro has pledged her allegiance to Nigeria on the international stage, becoming the second fencer to pick the country after Folayemi Akinyosoye switched his allegiance from Great Britain to Nigeria last year.
The 13-year-old student from Fort Bend Fencing Academy in Houston expressed that her love for Nigeria inspired her decision to reach out to the Nigerian Fencing Federation, aiming to make her international debut for the country.
“I decided to take up fencing after watching people play with such passion during the World Cup and other events. Fencing has taught me patience and self-awareness. Representing Nigeria is important to me because it is my motherland, and I am proud to wear its colours in international competitions,” Akinbamiro said in a statement released by the Nigeria Fencing Federation.
“My goal is to become the best fencer I can be while also pursuing higher education. I want to reach the highest levels in fencing. My parents’ unwavering support has been my biggest motivation. They have dedicated their time and resources to help me succeed in fencing. I am excited about the uniqueness of the sport, especially the thrill of fighting with a sword,” she added.
President of the Nigerian Fencing Federation, Adeyinka Samuel, noted that more fencers from abroad are eager to join the federation and represent their homeland.
“I am thrilled with Akinbamiro’s decision. Nigeria has the potential to compete with the best in the world, and having talented fencers like her will inspire our homegrown athletes to excel. We believe her addition to the team will positively impact the sport’s fortunes. As she begins her international journey this year, we hope she can bring more medals to Nigeria, especially as we aim to have our athletes compete in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games,” Samuel said.
“We are happy that many of these athletes recognize their origins and want to be part of our efforts to develop the sport in Nigeria, especially as we host the African Championships this year and the Commonwealth Championships next year. Akinbamiro will surely be a valuable addition to our team, given her background in the sport and her young age, as we target the 2028 and 2032 Olympic Games,” Samuel added.
Aside from the fencers’ switch of allegiance, Nigerian fencing has made some remarkable progress recently, with the country now awarded the hosting rights for the 2026 Commonwealth Senior and Veterans Fencing Championships, becoming the first African country to host this prestigious event after successfully hosting of the Fencing World Cup last year, also as the first time a Sub-Saharan African country to have hosted such an event.
