Commonwealth Fencing Championships 2026 gold medalist, Oghenegaren Esiovwa-Thompson has revealed how hearing the chants and cheers of Nigerians among spectators at the venue motivated him to pull off a historic conquest of the competition.
READ ALSO: ‘I Always Wanted to Fence for Nigeria’ — Esiovwa-Thompson Makes History With Commonwealth Gold
Sports247 reports that the 17-year-old fencer admitted he felt on top of the world after becoming the first Nigerian to win the Commonwealth title, and he was also happy seeing his parents watch him live in the men’s U-23 epee event.
Soon after his victory at Rugby School Nigeria, Esiovwa-Thompson also disclosed that his desire to compete at the Olympic Games influenced his decision to switch allegiance from England and he has now won gold at the Commonwealth Fencing Championship.
The victory came after years of representing England, during which he won several medals, before deciding to fence for Nigeria, and the excited lad added that his long line of international experience also helped him remain composed throughout the competition.
Esiovwa-Thompson retorted, “There’s always been something in me that longed to fence for Nigeria. Though I grew up in England, I knew representing Nigeria would be the right path to fulfil my Olympic dream.
“The cheers from the fans hit me every time I stepped onto the stage. Their support was key to my victory. I didn’t realise I was the first Nigerian to win gold at the Commonwealth Fencing Championships until just before the final.
“I’ve been fencing longer than I haven’t been fencing. I knew how to stay calm, stay relaxed and take up the exchange.”
