The Nigeria Fencing Federation has hailed 16-year-old fencer, Inkosi Brou, for etching his name in history by becoming the first Nigerian to be selected for the prestigious All-American Fencing First Team, an elite group comprising top college fencers from across the United States.
Brou is the grandson of the late former Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Dora Akunyili.
He was picked by the USA Fencing from high school fencers who have excelled on the fencing strip.
“Inkosi not only possesses superior skills in the sport but also exemplifies outstanding leadership and sportsmanship. His achievement is a source of pride for the Nigeria Fencing Federation, which recognises the hard work and perseverance that led him to this point,” NFF said in a statement
“At just 16 years old, Inkosi’s success serves as an inspiring beacon of hope for aspiring athletes back home.”
The All-American First Team honor is bestowed upon athletes who demonstrate excellence in their respective sports, just like the NCAA Basketball All-American Team.
Ranked 55th in the junior world ranking and 74th in the senior world ranking, Inkosi has earned an A24 rating.
Beyond his achievements, Brou is a nationally ranked sabre fencer in the U.S. He is also the founder of the Fencing Diaspora Foundation (FDF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing Africa’s next generation of youth fencers.
He has participated in various events, including the North American Cup U-17 in Dallas, where he finished in fifth place, and the 2023 ISFL High School League Championships.