NAN-S-3
Chances
By Chioma Arazu/Olanrewaju Akojede
Lagos, March 2, 2018 (NAN) South African contingent to the ongoing Cadet and Junior African Fencing Championships in Lagos on Thursday relished their chances at the maiden edition of the competition.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the maiden competition held in Nigeria was made possible by the Nigeria Fencing (NF), led by its President, Adeyinka Samuel.
The competition which began on March 1, at the Molade Okoya Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, and will end on March 5.
The President of Nigeria Fencing, Samuel, said that there were 22 countries participating in the championships with about 151 fencers.
Samuel said that it was a nice challenge to see Nigeria hosting the maiden edition of the competition that was introduced to the continent about eight years ago.
“It is a nice challenge for us in Nigeria hosting this championship which is still relatively new. It came about 8 years ago. We thank the International Fencing Federation for making it possible.
“Our appreciation also goes to the sponsors of the championships; it has been good so far and we are happy for it. It will be used as a launch pad for other events,’’ he said.
South African Coach Sebastian Moretti said he was happy to be in Nigeria and that the chance of winning medals in the competition was high.
“We have good fencers from South Africa, and that is what we have achieved over a couple of years.
“We have one of our fencers as the African Champion and we will like a repeat of that experience and get something out of the competition.
“We are enjoying the challenge so far, and the facilities are standard. The country is good and warm and the organisation is fantastic, it has been running smoothly.
“Over there in South Africa, we have been doing a lot of grassroots developmental programmes which is very good; bringing out the youths for training and we have been having good responses,’’ he said.
A South African Fencer, George Norval, said that he hoped to have a good outing during the tournament, adding that the contingent from his country were good enough for any opposition.
“I am happy to be in Nigeria to compete in the Junior Category, I am happy for the challenge here and I have yet to have it bad.
“I know I have to face stiff opposition from other countries but in all, I want to enjoy myself fencing for my country.
“We are good enough and I am one of the champions because I have won four medals before and I am hopeful of winning more. I love Nigerian atmosphere,’’ he said.
Bella Archibald also from South Africa said that she enjoyed fencing and would stand up to any opposition.
“I enjoy fencing a lot, it is an intelligent sport. I am expecting strong opposition from the Algerians because they are also good.
“I have to face some of them and I know how good they are,’’ she said.
For Grace Senyo from Togo, it is her first experience at international competition but she had mixed feeling about her chances in the championships.
“I can’t really say how I feel about the championships but I hope to do well in it,’’ she said. (NAN)
KOJE/ARC/ENN/PDE
================
(Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu/Peter Ejiofor)