ABUJA/Nigeria: Senator Ede Dafinone has congratulated 16-year-old Oghenegaren Esiovwa-Thompson after the Delta-born fencer made history by winning Nigeria’s first gold medal at the Commonwealth Fencing Championships.
Dafinone, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, conveyed the congratulatory message in a statement issued on behalf of the people of Delta Central and the Urhobo Nation.
Esiovwa-Thompson won the men’s Under-23 épée title at the championship in Lagos on Sunday, August 9, defeating India’s Lokesh Vemani 15–5 in the final. His victory made him the first Nigerian to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Fencing Championships.
The teenager had earlier gone unbeaten in Pool 4 before progressing through the knockout stages. He defeated South Africa’s Karabo Mathobela 15–7 in the round of 16 and India’s Shivaansh Kapoor 15–2 in the quarter-final.
He then overcame India’s Ashwini Shaurya 15–11 in the semi-final before defeating Vemani in the final.
Reacting to the achievement, Dafinone described the performance as a significant moment for Nigerian sport and a source of pride for Delta State and the Urhobo Nation.
He also commended the young fencer for choosing to represent Nigeria after previously competing for England, describing the decision as an expression of his connection to his Nigerian heritage.
Esiovwa-Thompson had previously competed for England, where he won gold in the U-13 men’s épée at the 2022 Wratislavia Challenge and a bronze medal in the cadet men’s épée team event in Naples.
Dafinone said the fencer’s achievement should encourage young Nigerians to recognise their abilities, develop their talents and pursue excellence.
He also commended Esiovwa-Thompson’s parents, coaches and support team for their contribution to his development.
“Behind every champion is a network of people who believed before the world took notice,” Dafinone said.
The senator expressed confidence that the achievement would be the beginning of greater successes for the young athlete and pledged his continued support.
“To Oghenegaren, I say: this is only the beginning. I am confident that you will achieve even greater heights and bring more honour to Delta State and Nigeria. You have made us proud, and you can count on my continued support,” he said.
