16-year-old Esiovwa-Thompson makes history with Nigeria’s first Commonwealth fencing gold

Sixteen-year-old Oghenegaren Esiovwa-Thompson has made history by winning Nigeria’s first-ever gold medal at the Commonwealth Fencing Championships.

Esiovwa-Thompson clinched the men’s Under-23 epee title at the championship held at Rugby School Nigeria, Atlantic City, Lagos, after defeating India’s Asian champion Lokesh Vemani 15-6 in the final.

The victory was particularly remarkable as the teenager overcame three Indian opponents during his impressive run to the title.

His triumph was greeted with loud cheers from the home crowd and marked a significant breakthrough for Nigerian fencing.

Esiovwa-Thompson began his campaign in Pool 4, where he went unbeaten to finish top of the group and secure a bye into the round of 16.

He then defeated South Africa’s Karabo Mathobela 15-7 before producing a dominant 15-2 victory over India’s Shivaansh Kapoor in the quarterfinal.

In the semifinal, he overcame another Indian opponent, Ashwini Shaurya, 15-11 to book his place in the final against Vemani.

The teenager maintained his composure in the decisive bout, dispatching the more experienced Indian fencer 15-6 to secure the historic gold medal.

Speaking after the competition, Esiovwa-Thompson said he was delighted to achieve the feat on Nigerian soil in the presence of his family and home supporters.

“I’m very happy with what I did. A lot of training went into this, a lot of dedication, a lot of blood, sweat and tears.

“I’m just happy that I’m in Nigeria. I won in Nigeria in front of the Nigerians, in front of my grandma and grandpa,” he said.

The young fencer said he only fully appreciated the significance of his achievement shortly before the final.

He also described the support from the home crowd as an unforgettable experience, saying it was the first time he had competed before such a large group of supporters.

Esiovwa-Thompson, who previously represented Great Britain, said his decision to switch allegiance to Nigeria was largely motivated by his desire to represent the country at the 2028 Olympic Games.

“I want to represent Nigeria at the 2028 Olympics. So, that was the main factor in my decision to switch.

“I’ve always kind of wanted to switch to Nigeria because I have more family over there, more friends,” he said.

Coach of the Nigerian fencing team, Alogba Ibrahim, described the victory as a major boost for the sport in the country.

Ibrahim said Esiovwa-Thompson’s success had given other Nigerian fencers a role model and strengthened their belief that they could compete successfully at the highest level.

“I think it is a huge blessing to the sport of fencing in Nigeria.

“All our athletes are pleased to have someone that they can at least look up to because most of our athletes are very good but they always fall short.

“So, seeing someone that can do that allows them to feel like they can do it also,” he said.

According to Ibrahim, the victory had already motivated other athletes to become more committed to the sport.

He added that the achievement had generated renewed interest in Nigeria’s fencing programme, with more elite athletes showing interest in joining the federation.

Meanwhile, Adeyinka Samuel, President of the Commonwealth Fencing Federation, described his election as the first African to lead the body as a major achievement for both Nigeria and the continent.

Samuel said his administration would prioritise stronger partnerships, improved operations, inclusivity and equal opportunities for Commonwealth fencing federations.

He also identified grassroots development as a key priority, saying the federation was working with schools to identify and nurture young talent.

Samuel said partnerships with equipment manufacturers would further help make fencing equipment more affordable and accessible to young athletes.

Also speaking, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who officially declared the championship open, described sports as a powerful tool for unity.

Sanwo-Olu welcomed athletes and officials from Commonwealth countries to Lagos and expressed the state’s commitment to supporting the competition.

“Sports is still one major thing that brings everybody together. It doesn’t matter where you’re from or what your background is; sport is usually a unifier.

“It’s a leveller and it’s a unifier. You cannot but ensure that sports continues to rally the entire world together,” he said.

The governor commended the Commonwealth Fencing Federation and other organisers for bringing the championship to Lagos, assuring them of the state government’s support.

He also encouraged visiting athletes and officials to explore Lagos and experience its culture, entertainment and hospitality.

The 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships brings together fencers from Commonwealth countries to compete across various age categories and fencing disciplines.

Esiovwa-Thompson’s historic victory represents a major milestone for Nigerian fencing and offers a new source of inspiration for young athletes aspiring to compete on the international stage.