Nigeria’s fencing prospects received a significant boost as 13-year-old sensation Peluola Akinbamiro, a rising star from the Fort Bend Fencing Academy in Houston, officially switched her allegiance from the United States to Nigeria.
Akinbamiro becomes the latest fencer to opt for Nigeria, following in the footsteps of Folayemi Akinyosoye, who switched from Great Britain last year. Driven by a deep-rooted connection to her heritage, Akinbamiro personally reached out to the Nigeria Fencing Federation (NFF) to express her desire to represent her motherland.
“I decided to take up fencing after watching people compete with such passion during the World Cup and other tournaments,” she said in a statement released by the NFF. “Fencing has taught me patience and self-awareness, and representing Nigeria is important to me because it is my home. I am proud to wear its colors in international competitions.”
A Rising Star with Big Dreams
Despite her young age, Akinbamiro is determined to make a name for herself both on and off the fencing piste.
“My goal is to become the best fencer I can be while also pursuing higher education,” she stated. “I want to compete at the highest levels in fencing, and my parents’ unwavering support has been my biggest motivation. They have sacrificed a lot to help me succeed in this sport.”
She also expressed her love for fencing, describing it as a thrilling and unique sport. “The excitement of dueling with a sword is what makes fencing so special to me,” she added.
Nigeria Fencing Federation Welcomes Akinbamiro
The President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation, Adeyinka Samuel, hailed Akinbamiro’s decision as a testament to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global fencing.
“We are thrilled with her commitment to Nigeria,” Samuel said. “Nigeria has the potential to compete with the best in the world, and the inclusion of talented athletes like Akinbamiro will inspire our homegrown fencers to reach new heights.”
He emphasized the importance of attracting more athletes from the diaspora as Nigeria prepares for key international events, including the 2028 and 2032 Olympic Games.
“As she begins her international journey this year, we hope she will bring home medals and further elevate Nigerian fencing,” he added.
Nigeria’s Fencing Momentum Continues to Grow
Akinbamiro’s switch comes at an exciting time for Nigerian fencing, which has been making impressive strides on the international stage.
Nigeria recently secured the hosting rights for the 2026 Commonwealth Senior and Veterans Fencing Championships, making history as the first African nation to organize the prestigious event. This follows last year’s landmark hosting of the Fencing World Cup—the first-ever in Sub-Saharan Africa.
With Akinbamiro now representing Nigeria, the country’s fencing future looks brighter than ever. Her passion, dedication, and talent mark the arrival of a new force in African fencing, setting the stage for a promising career on the global stage.
