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Tag: Inkosi Brou

  • My grandmother’s influence opened doors for me

    My grandmother’s influence opened doors for me

    Nigeria’s fencing sensation Inkosi Brou has acknowledged the enduring legacy of his grandmother, Prof. Dora Akunyili, as a pivotal inspiration of his career.

    Brou, the grandson of the late NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Akunyili, said her lasting influence has influenced him positively.

    The member of the Nigerian team at the just-ended 23rd African Fencing Championships in Lagos, said doors has been opened due to the legacy of her grandmother. “Yes, my grandmother’s influence has opened doors for me. What she achieved continues to inspire and guide us. We’re trying to follow the path she laid down.”

    Acknowledging the challenges of competing in multiple international events, Brou, who made history as the first Nigerian fencer to win a medal at an international tournament said: “Travelling and competing at this level is tough, especially with my Olympic aspirations. But with the support of my parents and coaches, I’m managing well. Hopefully, it will all pay off with a ticket to the 2028 Olympics.”

    Read Also: Femi Adebayo reacts as “Seven Doors” bags 11 AMVCA nominations

    Despite exiting in the knockout stage of the individual men’s sabre event at the 23rd African Fencing Championships, he remains confident that his dream of qualifying for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games is still alive.

    Brou, who is Nigeria’s highest-ranked fencer at both junior and senior levels, showcased his talent at the continental tournament.

    In the preliminary round, Brou defeated Guinea’s Conte Aboubacar 5-0 in his opening bout and overcame Algeria’s Akram Bounabi 5-3. He then lost 0-5 to Egypt’s Ziad Elsissy, bounced back with a 5-1 win over Niger Republic’s Ali Djibo, and concluded the group stage with a 0-5 loss to African champion Ahmed Ferjani of Tunisia. Despite the mixed results, Brou finished among the top three in his group of six, securing a spot in the knockout stage.

    In the first-round bout, Brou took an early lead against fifth seed Evann Girault of Niger Republic. However, a tactical error allowed his opponent to stage a comeback and win the closely contested match 15-11.

    Though disappointed with the outcome, the bronze medallist at the 2025 African Junior Championships remains undeterred in his Olympic pursuit.

    “I believe my 2028 Olympic dream is still intact. It’s a step-by-step journey, and I just need to stay consistent,” he said.

    He described the recently concluded African Fencing Championships in Lagos as a positive development for the sport. He expressed hope that more events would be organized to raise awareness and participation among young Nigerians.

    “Hosting the continental tournament means a lot for fencing. It was well-organized and proved that Nigeria is capable of hosting more international fencing events,” he added.

  • Fencing star Brou to lead Nigeria at African Championships in Lagos  

    Fencing star Brou to lead Nigeria at African Championships in Lagos  

    Nigeria’s fencing sensation Inkosi Brou and another U.S based rising star Peluola Akinbamiro headline the Nigerian team contesting for coveted medals at the 23rd African Fencing Championships.

    The championship holds in Charterhouse Lagos between June 25  and  29.

    According to Nigerian Fencing Federation president Adeyinka Samuel at a press parley yesterday, the duo is among other young fencers that will attempt to win Nigerian’s first medal at the African senior tournament against the best in the continent.

    He said:“The calibre of athletes gracing our shores is truly remarkable. We are honoured to welcome the current senior world No. 1 and 2024 Olympic bronze medallist, Mohamed El-Sayed, alongside his brother, the junior world No. 1 and 2025 Junior World Champion, Mahmoud El-Sayed. We will also witness the prowess of the 2024 Olympic Silver medallist, Fares Ferjani, and former World Champion, Ndolo Alexandra. And of course, we eagerly anticipate cheering on our very own Inkosi Brou, who is ranked 23rd  in the World, among many other exceptional fencers.”

    Charterhouse Lagos, the first British independent school in West Africa also successfully hosted Nigeria’s first Fencing World Cup, sanctioned by the International Fencing Federation (FIE).

    Read Also: NFF clears air on alleged unpaid salary to Chukwu

     “This is not just another competition; it is a landmark event, solidifying Nigeria’s position as only the third sub-Saharan African nation, after Senegal and Mali, to host this prestigious championship.

    Twenty-six African countries have confirmed their participation, bringing with them over 200 athletes.

     “Lagos offers a perfect blend of modern infrastructure, cultural richness, and passionate competition.”

    Charterhouse Lagos Chief Operating Officer Angela Hencher said it is ready to host athletes from across Africa.

     “We are therefore not just hosting an event, we’re continuing a partnership that champions sporting excellence, personal development, and cross-cultural collaboration. It’s part of our broader commitment to expand horizon for our students and the wider community at large,” she added.

  • Brou secures bronze medal at African Junior Fencing Championships

    Brou secures bronze medal at African Junior Fencing Championships

    Teenage fencing sensation Inkosi Brou has secured Nigeria’s first medal at the ongoing 2025 African Junior Fencing Championships in Luanda, Angola.

    This achievement marks a significant milestone for the Nigerian Fencing Federation (NFF), showcasing their strides in the sport through intense preparations, strategic partnerships, and notable achievements.

     Brou, a US-based athlete, won the only medal for a Sub-Saharan African nation on March 1.

    The grandson of the former Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Dora Akunyili, Brou recently displayed his burgeoning talent at the Almaty Saber FIE Junior World Cup, held from February 14 to 16, before heading to Angola to clinch a medal for Nigeria.

    Representing Nigeria from the Diaspora, Brou delivered a stellar performance, demonstrating skill, resilience, and the fighting spirit of Nigerian athletes. His achievement further cements Nigeria’s rising status in international fencing.

    Competing on the international stage presents both opportunities and challenges for the teenager. Brou’s dedication to representing Nigeria, despite being born and raised in the United States, exemplifies his passion and commitment.

    His journey from an unranked 15-year-old in October 2023 to his current standings reflects significant progress.

    Read Also: NFF set to organize  CAF B-License Coaching Course

    Another promising Nigerian fencer, Peluola Akinbamiro, was also set to make her mark in the competition but unfortunately missed her first bout due to a last-minute schedule change that was not communicated on time.

    Despite this setback, she remained focused and determined, embodying the resilience that defines Nigeria’s growing fencing community.

    Looking beyond Angola, the NFF has been making strategic preparations for the Wuxi World Championship (April 7th –15th ) and the Senior African Championship in June.

    These efforts include team selection, logistics, and training plans to ensure Nigerian fencers compete at their best on the world stage.

    With a strong start to the year and a historic medal win in Angola, the Nigerian Fencing Federation remains committed to developing the sport, supporting its athletes, and elevating Nigeria’s reputation in global fencing.

  • FENCING PRODIGY INKOSI BROU: My dream to qualify for Olympics 2028 on course

    FENCING PRODIGY INKOSI BROU: My dream to qualify for Olympics 2028 on course

    Nigeria fencing prodigy Inkosi Brou is determined to be part of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The teenage fencer has been working tirelessly to ensure his dream becomes a reality by attending several tournaments and amassing points to improve his world ranking.

    Despite being born and raised in the United States, Brou decided in October 2023 to represent Nigeria as an unranked 15-year-old fencer. As of January 2025, Brou has risen to 23rd in the world junior ranking and 64th globally.

    His priority is to compete in Los Angeles in 2028, and he recently shared his dreams and aspirations.

    Brou, the grandson of the former Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Dora Akunyili, is determined to become the first Nigerian to compete in fencing at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028.

    Since the start of the fencing season in September 2024, Brou has competed in seven major tournaments worldwide. His most notable achievement so far is finishing 10th among 216 fencers at the 2024 World Cup in Colombia.

    Read Also: NFF sure of  improved  Super Eagles, Super  Falcons in 2025

    Brou’s impressive rise in the rankings and his unwavering ambition are inspiring many in the Nigerian sports community.

    “When I started fencing internationally for Nigeria in October 2023, I did not even have an international junior ranking. To have improved so drastically to the point where I am 23rd in the world among the best fencers of my age has been an amazing journey that would not have been possible without extreme dedication, consistent training, and full belief in my plan of eventually making the 2028 Olympics. This amazing ranking is just the first step in the long journey to the Olympic Games that I hope to undertake. I would like to thank all of my amazing coaches for the work they put into improving my fencing every single day,” he said.

    On his regimented travel plan, he said: “It has been very fun and rewarding to travel to numerous continents and countries, immersing myself in the local culture while competing. It has been incredibly interesting to see each nation’s unique fencing style. Balancing my academic pursuits with my international travel has been a difficult

    experience at times, yet I have learned so much from it. I have become more efficient, more disciplined, and more flexible while also drastically improving my time management. Having the ability to travel so much and fulfill my passion is a privilege that I am extremely thankful for. I hope that my hard work and results can open up the sport of fencing for many other young Nigerians who hope to compete on the international stage.”

    Emphasizing his goal, Brou said: “As a fencer whose ultimate goal is to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, I am going to use my experience competing across the globe to adapt to the constant traveling that a high-level fencer must undergo. My LA2028 Olympic goal is helping me organize my life, as my eyes are firmly on the prize. I understand that being an Olympian is a privilege and that I need to improve quite a lot to reach that goal, but I fundamentally believe I can achieve it through sheer focus and dedication.”

    For 2025, he said: “My main target in 2025 is to make the podium and get a medal at the African Junior Championships in Angola, as well as achieve another top 8 result in the African Senior Championships. I hope to also get a great result at the upcoming Junior World Championships in China. Overall, I view 2025 as another step in my Olympic journey, and I am very excited for what this new year holds in store for my fencing

    career.”

    On the gains of hosting the fencing World Cup in 2024, Brou said: “I believe fencing as a sport will take off in Nigeria, especially as the country begins to host more Fencing World Cups and other major tournaments. Numerous countries in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and

    South America are new to fencing and they use the organization of an FIE World Cup in their country as a way to expose dozens of young local fencers to top international fencers and coaches.

    Seeing FIE World Cups being held in other countries has strengthened my belief that Nigeria hosting FIE tournaments is the best way to improve the visibility of the sport in the country. I am very excited for the future of fencing in Nigeria.”

  • Brilliant fencer Brou targets qualification for Los Angeles  

    Brilliant fencer Brou targets qualification for Los Angeles  

    At 17, Inkosi Brou is determined to be part of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The teenage fencer has been working tirelessly to ensure his dream becomes a reality by attending several tournaments and amassing points to improve his world ranking.

     Despite being born and raised in the United States, Brou decided in October 2023 to represent

    Nigeria as an unranked 15-year-old fencer. As of January 2025, Brou has risen to 23rd  in the world junior ranking and 64th  globally. His priority is to compete in Los Angeles in 2028, and he recently shared his dreams and aspirations.

    Seventeen-year-old Inkosi Brou is rapidly gaining recognition in the world of fencing and has climbed to become the second highest-ranked African fencer at the junior level globally, rising from 52nd  to 23rd  in the latest International Fencing Federation ratings. At the senior level, he is currently ranked 64th .

    Brou, the grandson of the former Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Dora Akunyili, is determined to become the first Nigerian to compete in fencing at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028.

    Since the start of the fencing season in September 2024, Brou has competed in seven major tournaments worldwide. His most notable achievement so far is finishing 10th among 216 fencers at the 2024 World Cup in Colombia.

    Brou’s impressive rise in the rankings and his unwavering ambition are inspiring many in the Nigerian sports community.

    Read Also: NFF set to organize  CAF B-License Coaching Course

    “When I started fencing internationally for Nigeria in October 2023, I did not even have an international junior ranking,” he said.“ To have improved so drastically to the point where I am 23rd  in the world among the best fencers of my age has been an amazing journey that would not have been possible without extreme dedication, consistent training, and full belief in my plan of eventually making the 2028 Olympics.

    “This amazing ranking is just the first step in the long journey to the Olympic Games that I hope to undertake. I would like to thank all of my amazing coaches for the work they put into improving my fencing every single day,” he added.

    On his regimented travel plan, he said: “It has been very fun and rewarding to travel to numerous continents and countries, immersing myself in the local culture while competing. It has been incredibly interesting to see each nation’s unique fencing style.

    “Balancing my academic pursuits with my international travel has been a difficult experience at times, yet I have learned so much from it. I have become more efficient, more disciplined, and more flexible while also drastically improving my time management. Having the ability to travel so much and fulfil my passion is a privilege that I am extremely thankful for. I hope that my hard work and results can open up the sport of fencing for many other young Nigerians who hope to compete on the international stage.”

    Emphasizing his goal, Brou said: “As a fencer whose ultimate goal is to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, I am going to use my experience competing across the globe to adapt to the constant traveling that a high-level fencer must undergo.

    “My LA2028 Olympic goal is helping me organize my life, as my eyes are firmly on the prize. I understand that being an Olympian is a privilege and that I need to improve quite a lot to reach that goal, but I fundamentally believe I can achieve it through sheer focus and dedication.”

    For 2025, he said: “My main target in 2025 is to make the podium and get a medal at the African Junior Championships in Angola, as well as achieve another top 8 result in the African Senior Championships. I hope to also get a great result at the upcoming Junior World Championships in

    China. Overall, I view 2025 as another step in my Olympic journey, and I am very excited for what this new year holds in store for my fencing career.”

    On the gains of hosting the fencing World Cup in 2024, Brou said: “I believe fencing as a sport will take off in Nigeria, especially as the country begins to host more Fencing World Cups and other major tournaments. Numerous countries in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and South America new to fencing use the organization of an FIE World Cup in their country as a way to expose dozens of young local fencers to top international fencers and coaches. Seeing FIE World Cups being held in other countries has strengthened my belief that Nigeria hosting FIE tournaments is the best way to improve the visibility of the sport in the country. I am very excited for the future of fencing in Nigeria.”