Oghenegaren Esiovwa-Thompson has revealed that his ambition to compete at the Olympic Games was central to his decision to represent Nigeria after previously fencing for England and Great Britain.
The teenager made a dream start to his Nigerian career on Sunday, August 9, winning the men’s U-23 epee title at the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships in Lagos to deliver Nigeria’s first gold medal in the competition’s history.
“There’s something in me that has always longed to fence for Nigeria,” Esiovwa-Thompson said.
“Even though I grew up in England and won several medals there, I knew representing Nigeria would be the right path to fulfil my Olympic dream.”
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His decision represents a significant addition to Nigeria’s emerging fencing programme. Esiovwa-Thompson had already built considerable international experience before his switch, earning selection for England at youth level and later representing Great Britain on the European circuit.
Earlier this year, he competed for Great Britain at the 2026 European Cadet and Junior Championships in Tbilisi, finishing 47th in the individual cadet men’s epee and forming part of the British team in the team event.
He had also helped Great Britain win bronze in the cadet men’s epee team competition in Naples in October 2025 alongside Jack Beckley, Solu Ngoka and Alex Nicholas.
Dominant start in Nigerian colours
Esiovwa-Thompson showed little sign of being affected by the significance of his first competition for Nigeria.
He went unbeaten in Pool 4 to finish top of his group and earn a bye before beginning the knockout phase with a 15-7 victory over South Africa’s Karabo Mathobela.
India’s Shivaansh Kapoor was next, with Esiovwa-Thompson producing a dominant 15-2 quarter-final victory before defeating Ashwini Shaurya 15-11 in the semi-final.
He completed the run by beating India’s Lokesh Vemani 15-5 in the final at Rugby School Lagos in Eko Atlantic, the venue for the championships.
“A lot of training, dedication, sweat, and tears went into this. I’m just happy I won in front of Nigerians, in front of my family,” he said.
His grandparents were among those watching from the stands as he completed the historic victory.
For Esiovwa-Thompson, the experience gained from years of competition in Britain and Europe was crucial when the pressure increased.
“I’ve been fencing longer than I haven’t been fencing,” he said.
“I knew how to stay calm, stay relaxed, and take every match one at a time.”
‘I’m proud to represent my country’
The significance of what he was about to achieve did not fully register until shortly before the final.
“I didn’t realise I was the first Nigerian to win gold at the Commonwealth Championships until just before the final,” Esiovwa-Thompson 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.”
The home support grew as the competition progressed. Esiovwa-Thompson said he had never previously experienced anything similar while competing.
“It was the first time I experienced that kind of support. The cheers from the fans hit me every time I stepped onto the stage. Their support was key to my victory.”
Nigeria hosted the Commonwealth Fencing Championships for the first time, with the Senior, Veterans and U-23 competitions scheduled from August 9 to 14 in Lagos.
Esiovwa-Thompson’s victory on the opening day provided the hosts with an immediate landmark moment and gave the Nigerian Fencing Federation another potential building block in its long-term ambition to develop athletes capable of competing at the Olympic level.
For the new Nigerian champion, however, Sunday’s gold represents the beginning rather than the destination.
The ambition that persuaded him to change the country he represents remains clear: reaching the Olympic Games in Nigerian colours.
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