Brou, Okanlawon set for Tbilisi fencing championship

By Vivian Ahanmisi

Nigeria’s rising fencing stars, Inkosi Brou and Wisdom Okanlawon, will compete at the 2025 World Fencing Championships, taking place in Tbilisi, Georgia, from July 22 to 30.

Both athletes have also been selected for the International Fencing Federation (FIE) Training Camp, scheduled to precede the championship in the Georgian capital.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the camp will run from July 16 to 21 at the Tbilisi Olympic Palace.

It will feature elite-level coaching and foster international collaboration, providing a rare opportunity for skill development and exposure to global standards.

Brou and Okanlawon made their international debut earlier this year at the World Junior Championships held in China.

They are now set to make their first appearance at the senior World Championships in Georgia this July.

Inkosi Brou reached the knockout stage at the recent 23rd African Fencing Championships held in Lagos.

Before heading to Georgia, Brou will undergo a training tour in France to enhance his performance.

Currently ranked 75th globally, the teenage sabreur will contest in the Men’s Individual Sabre event.

Wisdom Okanlawon, regarded as Nigeria’s top homegrown fencer, will also make his senior global debut in Georgia.

He is expected to depart Nigeria this week to join the training camp in Tbilisi.

Okanlawon will compete in the Men’s Individual Épée event, seeking to improve his international ranking.

His participation will provide valuable experience against top-tier athletes from around the world.

The World Fencing Championships feature individual and team events across sabre, foil, and épée for both men and women.

According to the FIE, the camp will be led by renowned coaches Zoran Tulum (sabre), Kuki Patru (foil), and Bela Kopetka (épée).

“The camp will offer fencers a chance to train with peers from around the world,” the FIE noted in a statement.

Activities include group sessions, tactical workshops, video analysis, and team-building events to enhance performance.

NAN also reports that over 50 fencers worldwide will attend, creating a dynamic atmosphere for learning and preparation.

This represents a major milestone for Nigerian fencing as the country gains more global attention through young talent and international support.