Nigeria’s Oluwafolayemi Akinyosoye has made history at the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships in Lagos, winning bronze in the men’s senior sabre to claim the country’s first-ever international medal in the event.
Akinyosoye, Nigeria’s highest-ranked senior fencer in sabre, produced a strong run in the individual competition before his campaign ended in the semi-finals. The 21-year-old defeated England’s Charles Gellett 15-6 in the round of 16 before overcoming India’s Bebit Bright 15-12 in the quarterfinals.
The Nigerian then faced Australia’s Yoongi Shim in the semi-final, where he was beaten 15-10, earning the bronze medal.
Despite sustaining an early hand injury, Akinyosoye continued competing and fought through the pain to secure his place on the podium.
The medal represents another significant milestone in the development of Nigerian fencing. Akinyosoye previously became Nigeria’s highest-ranked fencer after a strong showing at the 2025 African Fencing Championships, where he reached the quarterfinals and defeated Olympic silver medalist Fares Ferjani of Tunisia.
The UK-based fencer switched allegiance to Nigeria after previously representing England at cadet and junior level and has since established himself as one of the country’s leading senior fencers. The International Fencing Federation currently lists him among Nigeria’s top sabre competitors.
Akinyosoye’s bronze also formed part of a strong opening for Team Nigeria at the Lagos championships, with Nigeria securing multiple medals across able-bodied and wheelchair fencing.
With the Commonwealth Championships continuing until August 14, Nigeria will be hoping for further success as more of its fencers take to the piste on home soil.
