Vivian Ahanmisi
Egypt has won the tournament’s first gold medal, reaffirming their status as one of Africa’s fencing giants.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the five-day tournament is holding at Charterhouse Lagos, with continental powerhouses showcasing their dominance.
Team Nigeria delivered a spirited performance, with rising stars Wisdom Okanlawon and the Idongesit siblings, Mahadi and Mahathir—advancing to the knockout stages of the Men’s Individual Épée event.
In spite facing seasoned opponents in the preliminaries, the trio displayed remarkable skills and determination.
Veteran fencer Adegbola Babade, the oldest member of Team Nigeria, also progressed to the round of 32.
However, all Nigerian contenders were eventually eliminated in the knockout rounds by more experienced adversaries.
Mahathir Idongesit, who was narrowly defeated by 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. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng
Edited by Joseph Edeh
