Teenage fencer Akinbamiro anticipates World Championship
Nigeria’s teenage fencing sensation Peluola Akinbamiro has described her debut at the recently concluded 2025 African Junior Fencing Championships as a valuable learning experience which will propel her at the World Junior Fencing Championship in China by April, NewsNGR Sports Extra reports.
The US-based 13-year-old fencer participated in the continental tournament to gain experience and prepare for the 2025 World Junior Fencing Championship in China from April 7 to 15, as well as the Senior African Championship in June.
“I did not feel any pressure in my debut for Nigeria at the African Junior Championships. My goal was to do my best for my country and myself. The tournament was challenging, and looking ahead to the event in China, I am determined to avoid repeating the mistakes I made here,” Akinbamiro said.
“The ups and downs during the competition affected my performance, but they taught me to always be ready and strive to be my best.”
Akinbamiro is also eyeing a spot at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics which the Nigeria Fencing Federation is gearing to make their Olympic debut.
My dream is to be part of the Nigerian Olympic team for Los Angeles 2028 when I will be 16 and at the right age to compete.”
Meanwhile, teenage fencing sensation Inkosi Brou, who secured Nigeria’s only medal at the 2025 African Junior Fencing Championships in Luanda, Angola, has climbed to 22nd in the world junior rankings.
Before the African tournament, Brou was ranked 23rd globally, but his bronze medal finish in Angola has boosted his ranking.
Brou, the grandson of former Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Dora Akunyili, is considered one of the most active fencers in Africa and the world. He has competed in several tournaments this year in his bid to secure a ticket to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games as the first Nigerian to feature in the fencing event.
Brou is expected to compete this month in Budapest, Hungary.
Akinbamiro, Brou and 5 other fencers are also preparing for the World Junior Championships next month in China, with home-based Wisdom Okanlawon expected to join the training camp before the world championships kick off.
