Oghenegaren Esiovwa-Thompson has made history by winning Nigeria’s first-ever gold medal at the Commonwealth Fencing Championships.
The 16-year-old triumphed in the men’s U-23 epee event at Rugby School Nigeria in Atlantic City, Lagos, on Sunday, defeating India’s Asian champion Lokesh Vemani 15–5 in the final.
His victory represents a major breakthrough for Nigerian fencing, as Esiovwa-Thompson becomes the first Nigerian to win a medal at the championships and the first to secure gold for the country at an international fencing competition.
The teenager was competing for Nigeria for the first time after switching allegiance from England. He defeated three Indian opponents on his way to the final, thrilling the home crowd. India’s Godwin Natarajan and Ashwini Shaurya claimed the bronze medals.
Esiovwa-Thompson dominated the competition from the group stage. Starting in Pool 4, he remained unbeaten to finish top of his group and secured a bye into the round of 16.
He then defeated South Africa’s Karabo Mathobela 15–7 before recording a convincing 15–2 victory over India’s Shivaansh Kapoor in the quarterfinal.
The semifinal proved more competitive as he faced Ashwini Shaurya. However, cheered on by the home supporters, Esiovwa-Thompson secured a 15–11 victory to book his place in the final against Vemani.
The historic achievement comes after years of hard work and international experience. Before switching allegiance to Nigeria, Esiovwa-Thompson had already enjoyed success while representing England, winning gold in the U-13 boys’ epee at the 2022 Wratislavia Challenge and bronze in the cadet men’s epee team event in Naples.
Elsewhere at the championships, England’s Oliver Strange won the first gold medal of the tournament after defeating India’s Manoj Patil in the men’s U-23 foil final.
India’s Singh Sanasam and England’s Thomas James secured the bronze medals.