Egbesemirone makes history as first Nigerian medalist at Cadet Junior Fencing Championships

Tue, Mar 6, 2018 | By publisher


Sports

NIGERIAN Junior Fencer, Egbesemirone Oritsematosan, has etched his name in Nigerian history by becoming the first on the podium for the Cadet, Junior, Fencing Championships, after winning a bronze in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigerian fencers had their first time experience in fencing at the 8th ongoing championships at Molade Okoya-Thomas Sports Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

The maiden competition held in Nigeria was made possible by the Nigeria Fencing (NF), led by its President, Adeyinka Samuel.

Egbesemirone ranked 7th at the tournament and was able to rake up 21 points to win the bronze.

Nigeria has yet to participate in any Junior Fencing Championships but put up a good fight in the Male Category with Egbesemirone and Casper Soyoye leading the pack.

In the female category, Nigeria has also qualified for the semi-finals where they lost to Togo but were rewarded with a bronze.

Speaking on Nigeria’s success at the tournament, the Technical Director, Nigeria Fencing, Haastrup Ehekokaye, lauded Nigeria for winning the medal.

“What we are doing is to have a good structure on ground for fencing to thrive in Nigeria. We are happy for this feat and it is a great feeling for us.

“The tournament is a great achievement for us, bringing us to the limelight in Africa. We may not have been where we want to be, but things are gradually taking shape.

“Ours is a growing federation and we have been putting heads together making sure that the sport comes to limelight; on the basis of this we want to put up a good structure.

“The growth of fencing in Nigeria is slow, but nonetheless, we will like to have it in an international circuit where we will compete favorably,’’ he said.

Egbesemirone, who said he was happy to have won a bronze in the championships, declared: “It was a pleasant experience for me. “I am very happy with the bronze medal, I have had a pleasant experience coming for the championships.”

The competition which began on March 1 came to a close on March 5. (NAN)

– Mar. 6, 2018 @ 13:25 GMT |

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