Brou Breaks New Ground, Becomes First Nigerian in World’s Top 10 Junior Fencers

Nigerian fencer Inkosi Brou has etched his name in the record books, becoming the first Nigerian to be ranked among the top 10 junior fencers globally.

The 18-year-old now occupies the 10th spot in the Men’s Sabre junior category, according to the latest rankings released by the International Fencing Federation. With 68.750 points, Brou is also the second-highest ranked fencer in Africa, behind Egypt’s Ahmed Hesham, who sits in 7th place with 76.000 points.

Brou’s rise in the rankings comes despite a quarterfinal exit at the 2026 African Junior Fencing Championships in Dakar, Senegal. His position was bolstered by a sixth-place finish at the 2026 FIE World Cup, also held in Dakar.

The teenager has steadily built an impressive résumé on the international stage. In 2024, he claimed Nigeria’s first-ever global medal in Men’s Sabre—a silver at the World Tournoi Satellite Cup in Iceland. He followed that up with a bronze medal at the 2025 African Junior Championships in Luanda, Angola.

Brou first gained attention at age 16 when he became the first Nigerian selected for the All-American Fencing First Team in the United States. He began representing Nigeria internationally in October 2023.

His interest in fencing was sparked by the film Pirates of the Caribbean and deepened after watching American fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad compete at the 2016 Olympics. Brou now has his sights set on qualifying for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, with the goal of becoming Nigeria’s first-ever Olympic fencer.

Reacting to the achievement, Nigeria Fencing Federation President Adeyinka Samuel praised Brou’s consistency and impact.

“Nigeria is fast finding its feet among elite fencing nations. Brou has been consistent and is a silent achiever who inspires our young fencers,” Samuel said. “His success will positively impact Nigeria’s image in the global fencing community and serve as a role model for others.”