FIE picks teenage fencer, Okanlawon for high-performance camp in China
The International Fencing Federation (FIE) has chosen Nigeria’s teenage Fencer, Wisdom Okanlawon, as one of five athletes from 30 African countries to attend a high-performance training camp and compete at the2025 Cadet and Junior World Championships in Wuxi, China.
According to the FIE, the training camp, which takes place from April 1 to 12, is organised in collaboration with Olympic Solidarity and aims to identify and support top talent from across Africa, providing athletes with world-class training and competition opportunities.
The camp will bring together some of the most promising fencers from around the world.
In a statement by the Nigerian Fencing Federation, the18-year-old inclusion in this elite group underscores his remarkable achievements in the sport and his potential to excel at the highest level.
The federation said: “Okanlawon’s selection recognises his exceptional skill, dedication, and potential to represent Africa on the global stage.
“The training camp will offer Okanlawon the chance to refine his skills under the guidance of top coaches.
“After the camp, he will compete at the World Championships from April 13to 15, where he will face off against the best junior fencers globally.
“This opportunity is a significant milestone not only for Okanlawon but also for Nigerian and African fencing. It highlights the growing recognition of African athletes in international sports and provides a platform for Okanlawon to showcase his talent on a global scale.
Okanlawon’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the continent, demonstrating that hard work and dedication can lead to extraordinary opportunities.”
Meanwhile, the NFF President, Adeyinka Samuel, said the federation would continue to