The jostle for medals began at the 2025 African Fencing Championships in Lagos on Wednesday, with continental powerhouse, Egypt showcasing their dominance by winning the tournament’s first gold medal.
One hundred and fifty fencers from 18 countries across the continent are competing at Charterhouse Lagos, in the 23rd edition of the tournament.
The five-day tournament was opened with the men’s epee and women’s foil individual events, with the contests decided by first to five hits in three minutes.
Nigerian athletes weren’t left off the tussle.
Adegbola Babade, Wisdom Okanlawon and the Idongesit brothers, Mahadi and Mahathir made it out of their pools before bowing out in the men’s individual event.
Mahathir Idongesit, who narrowly lost to world junior champion, Mahmoud El-Sayed, in the round of 32, remained upbeat.
“I’m thrilled to have fenced against one of the best in the world. It was a close contest, and I enjoyed every moment. This experience has boosted my confidence and will stay with me for a long time,” he said.
Competing for Nigeria on home soil for the first time, US-based Peluola Akinbamiro also showed grit in the women’s individual event.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented on the opening day of the tournament by the Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, hailed the Nigeria Fencing Federation and the international body for opening up the sports in Nigeria.

On Wednesday, Rivers Angels Football Club of Port Harcourt left her base for Lagos for its quest to win her tenth President Federation FA Cup (Female).
Angels are to lockhorns with Nasarawa Amazons in the final of the President Federation (Female) FA Cup, scheduled to hold to tomorrow  at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, Kick off time 1:00pm
Before leaving Port Harcourt, the Acting Permanent Secretary of Rivers State ministry of sports, Mrs Ibiwari Wokoma, advised  players and the management team to work  as a  team to enable them achieve the desired result and make the State proud once again.
She revealed that the State administrator Vice Admiral Ibot-Ete Ibas has approved and released all allowances and bonuses meant for club, saying that Vice Admiral Ibas has equally promised to be in attendance.
The acting Permanent Secretary, reiterated that the government and entire people of Rivers State are behind them in all ramifications, as they have nothing to worry about.
“ I deemed it very necessary to come and talk to you before you leave for Lagos, it has been in my mind to visit your camp since but I was  really tight with official duties, some of you can attest to that.
“I want  to tell you this morning that we are counting on you, hoping to give the State victory in Lagos.

Seventeen Nigerian states have confirmed their participation in the 2025 Olympic Day celebrations, which will take place across the country on June 28, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The annual event, which promotes the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect, has gained momentum in recent years, with organisers expanding activities to encourage wider public participation.
This year, states including Edo, Plateau, Ondo, Taraba, Enugu, Delta, Kwara, the Federal Capital Territory, Anambra, Bayelsa, Bauchi, Kogi, Gombe, Osun, Imo and Lagos, home to the secretariat of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, will host a series of community-based events aimed at promoting health and fitness.
The celebration will feature a variety of non-competitive sporting activities such as jogging and walking, designed to encourage calorie burning, muscle toning, and overall wellbeing.
In previous editions, Olympic Day was marked by structured races of 10 and 5 kilometres, but organisers say the format has been revised in response to public feedback.
The new approach includes a broader mix of demonstration sports tailored to individual and group interests, making it more accessible and inclusive.
Austin Odigie, coordinating officer of the NOC’s Sport for All Commission, described the event as a growing national movement dedicated to fitness for all.
Chairman of the commission and President of the Weightlifting Federation of Nigeria, Dr Abdul Ibrahim, urged participating states to maximise the opportunity to mobilise their communities and build a culture of fitness through sport.
He also encouraged states not taking part this year to begin preparations for future editions, describing Olympic Day as a vital platform to engage the public in health-focused recreation.
The President of the NOC, Engr Habu Gumel, is expected to flag off this year’s celebration in Abuja, which is hosting the event for the first time in several years.