Esiovwa-Thompson opens up on England for Nigeria switch
August 11, 2026 1:50 am
File photo: Oghenegaren Esiovwa-Thompson
Seventeen-year-old Oghenegaren Esiovwa-Thompson says his desire to represent Nigeria and pursue his Olympic dream influenced his decision to switch allegiance from England.
Esiovwa-Thompson made history on Sunday by becoming the first Nigerian to win gold at the Commonwealth Fencing Championships after triumphing in the men’s U-23 epee event at Rugby School Nigeria.
The teenager defeated three Indian opponents on his way to the title, with his grandparents among those cheering him on.
The victory came after years of representing England, during which he won several medals before deciding to fence for Nigeria.
“There’s always been something in me that longed to fence for Nigeria,” Esiovwa-Thompson said.
“Even though I grew up in England, I knew representing Nigeria would be the right path to fulfil my Olympic dream.”
The teenager said the gold medal was the reward for the hard work that went into his preparation.
“A lot of training, sweat and tears went into this. I’m just happy I won in front of Nigerians, in front of my family. It means everything,” he said.
Esiovwa-Thompson, who has been fencing for most of his life, said his international experience helped him remain composed throughout the competition.
“I’ve been fencing longer than I haven’t been fencing. I knew how to stay calm, stay relaxed and take each match one at a time,” he said.
He also credited the home crowd for helping him secure the historic victory.
“It was the first time I experienced that kind of atmosphere. The cheers from the fans hit me every time I stepped onto the stage. Their support was key to my victory,” he said.
The significance of his achievement only dawned on him shortly before the final when he learnt that he could become Nigeria’s first Commonwealth Fencing Championships gold medallist in fencing.
“I didn’t realise I was the first Nigerian to win gold at the Commonwealth Fencing Championships until just before the final,” he said.
“Doing this in front of my grandparents, in front of the fans—it’s overwhelming. Everything is just coming to me now, and I’m proud to represent my country.”
Abiodun, who reports Sports for PUNCH, covers different tiers of the Nigerian football league, the national teams, as well as cricket, in the last six years
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]