The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Peluola Akinbamiro

  • PELUOLA AKINBAMIRO: Why I dropped soccer for fencing        

    PELUOLA AKINBAMIRO: Why I dropped soccer for fencing        

    Before U.S based teenage fencer Peluola Akinbamiro found fencing, she was first introduced to the popular game of soccer at school.

    The 13-year-old Nigerian, who lives in Houston and coming to her mother-land for the very first time, and is attending her first Africa Fencing Championship to be hosted in Lagos-Nigeria, said fencing killed her love for soccer. 

    She said: “Before fencing I was playing soccer but when I started fencing I fell in love with it and stopped soccer all together because I wanted to do fencing more. I started fencing last year when I was 12 years old and my coach told me I was really good at it. When I started going to competition and I took part in many to shore up experience. I won a couple of medals in junior cadet, I won bronze and silver medal. Then, I won my first gold medal in cadet competition. So, winning my first gold medal last month did not come as a surprise.

    “I want to do fencing for as long as I can’t do it anymore. I want to go to the Olympics flying the flag of Nigeria. I really love fencing. Fencing is the best sports that you can think about. I prefer fencing to soccer because it offers numerous benefits, including improved agility, reflexes, mental focus, and discipline.”

    However, before trying his hands in fencing, she was attracted to it by watching it on television. 

    “I first discovered fencing by chance while watching a television show. The speed, the grace, and the power behind every move caught my attention and wouldn’t let go. I turned to my mum and said, ‘I want to try this.’ And from that moment, everything began to change.

    “My mum believed in me before I even knew what this journey would look like. She reached out to a fencing group, found me a better academy, and made sure I had every opportunity to train and grow. Her support became the foundation for everything I’ve achieved since,” she said.

    As a member of the Nigerian team to the 23rd African Fencing Championship, she expressed optimism to secure a medal and finish among the top three.

    Read Also: Five countries Nigerians can visit without a visa

    “My goal is clear: to finish in the Top 3 and win a medal for Nigeria. I know it won’t be easy, but I’m ready. I’ve trained for this moment, sacrificed for it, and dreamed about it since the day I picked up my first foil, she said.

    She stressed that her ultimate dream is to represent Nigeria at the Olympics.

    “I’m determined to make that dream a reality. It all began with a spark of curiosity, but it was my mum’s love and belief that turned it into something real. Now, every time I step onto the piste, I carry her strength, my country’s colors, and my unwavering determination to make history,” she said.

    Peluola was inspired by her love for Nigeria to reach out to the Nigerian Fencing Federation, with the goal of representing the country on the international stage. “Nigeria is a great place. I’ve been here for a couple of weeks and I’m happy to be here. This is my first time here and I’m glad.”

    She participated in the 2025 African Junior Fencing Championships as a valuable learning experience.

    She hopes to be part of the Nigerian Olympic team for the Los Angeles 2028 Games.

  • Fencer Akinbamiro  eyes LA 2028 after dream  debut at African Junior Championships

    Fencer Akinbamiro  eyes LA 2028 after dream  debut at African Junior Championships

    Teenage fencing sensation, Peluola Akinbamiro, has described her debut at the recently concluded 2025 African Junior Fencing Championships as a valuable learning experience in her quest to compete at the next Olympic Games, Los Angeles 2028.

    The US-based 13-year-old fencer participated in the continental tournament to gain experience and prepare for the 2025 World Junior Fencing Championship holding  in China  between  April 7 and  15, as well as the Senior African Championship in June.

    An excited Akinbamiro said: “I did not feel any pressure in my debut for Nigeria at the African Junior Championships. My goal was to do my best for my country and myself. The tournament was challenging, and looking ahead to the event in China, I am determined to avoid repeating the mistakes I made here. The ups and downs during the competition affected my performance, but they taught me to always be ready and strive to be my best. My dream is to be part of the Nigerian Olympic team for Los Angeles 2028 when I will be 16 and at the right age to compete.”

    Read Also: NSC, NFF meet  on  proposed  Abuja hotel, training pitch site

    Meanwhile, teenage fencing sensation Inkosi Brou, who secured Nigeria’s only medal at the 2025 African Junior Fencing Championships in Luanda, Angola, has climbed to 22nd  in the world junior rankings.

     Before the African tournament, Brou was ranked 23rd  globally, but his bronze medal finish in Angola has boosted his ranking.

    Brou, the grandson of former Director General of NAFDAC, late Prof. Dora Akunyili, is considered one of the most active fencers in Africa and the world. He has competed in several tournaments this year in his bid to secure a ticket to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games as the first Nigerian to feature in the fencing event. Brou is expected to compete this month in Budapest, Hungary.

    To win a medal in Angola, Brou dominated his group, which included fencers from Egypt, Senegal, Algeria, and Guinea, to qualify for the round of 16.

    From the knockout stage, he had a bye to the quarterfinals, where he defeated Senegal’s Lotfi Ibrihen 15-6, setting up a semi-final clash with Egypt’s third seed, Yassin Khodir.

     The quarterfinal match against Khodir was tough, with Brou matching the Egyptian strength-for-strength throughout the encounter. However, inexperience may have contributed to Brou’s narrow 15 11 loss, resulting in a bronze medal and Nigeria finishing sixth at the continental championships.

    Both Akinbamiro and Brou are also preparing for the World Junior Championships next month in China, with home-based Wisdom Okanlawon expected to join the training camp before the world championships kick off.

  • US-based teenage fencer chooses to represent Nigeria

    US-based teenage fencer chooses to represent Nigeria

    American-based teenage fencer Peluola Akinbamiro has pledged her allegiance to Nigeria on the international stage.

    The 13-year-old student from Fort Bend Fencing Academy in Houston expressed that her love for Nigeria inspired her decision to reach out to the Nigerian Fencing Federation, aiming to make her international debut for the country.

    Adeyinka Samuel, President of the Nigerian Fencing Federation, noted that more fencers from abroad are eager to join the federation and represent their homeland.

    Read Also: NSC, NFF meet  on  proposed  Abuja hotel, training pitch site

    “I am thrilled with Akinbamiro’s decision. Nigeria has the potential to compete with the best in the world, and having talented fencers like her will inspire our home-grown athletes to excel. We believe her addition to the team will positively impact the sport’s fortunes. As she begins her international journey this year, we hope she can bring more medals to Nigeria, especially as we aim to have our athletes compete in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games,” Samuel said.

    “We are happy that many of these athletes recognize their origins and want to be part of our efforts to develop the sport in Nigeria, especially as we host the African Championships this year and the Commonwealth Championships next year. Akinbamiro will surely be a valuable addition to our team, given her background in the sport and her young age, as we target the 2028 and 2032 Olympic Games,” Samuel added.

    An elated Akinbamiro shared her excitement about embracing fencing: “I decided to take up fencing after watching people play with such passion during the World Cup and other events. Fencing has taught me patience and self-awareness. Representing Nigeria is important to me because it is my motherland, and I am proud to wear its colours in international competitions.”

    “My goal is to become the best fencer I can be while also pursuing higher education. I want to reach the highest levels in fencing. My parents’ unwavering support has been my biggest motivation. They have dedicated their time and resources to help me succeed in fencing. I am excited about the uniqueness of the sport, especially the thrill of fighting with a sword,” she added.