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
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