British fencer Folayemi Akinyosoye has officially switched his allegiance to Nigeria, leaving behind his representation of Great Britain. Akinyosoye, who has been a prominent figure in British junior fencing for the past six years, made the decision as the sport begins to gain more attention in Nigeria.
British Fencing granted his transfer request, waiving the usual three-year waiting period for athletes switching nationalities.
“On behalf of British Fencing, I write to confirm that British Fencing has no objection to the athlete (Folayemi Akinyosoye) changing their FIE nationality and that we waive any non-compete period,” British Fencing CEO Georgina Usher wrote in an official acceptance letter dated August 1, 2024.
The 20-year-old fencer expressed his excitement about representing Nigeria and contributing to the growth of the sport in the country.
“I would like to represent Nigeria because of my personal connections to Nigeria, where my family roots originate, so there is a desire to contribute to the development of the sport, which is in its early stages in Nigeria,” Akinyosoye shared via Nigeria Fencing Media.
He added that representing Nigeria could offer a unique platform to promote sabre fencing and inspire young Nigerians to take up the sport.
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Akinyosoye also highlighted his anticipation of competing for Nigeria in future tournaments, especially with the potential of the country participating in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
“I am very excited to represent Nigeria and cannot wait to work with the Nigerian fencing federation to bring my fencing to the next level,” he said.
Adeyinka Samuel, the President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation, warmly welcomed Akinyosoye’s decision and expressed optimism about the positive impact it would have on the sport’s development in Nigeria.
“We are so excited that the work we have done in the last few years is yielding positive results with the decision by Akinyosoye to fence for Nigeria,” Samuel said.
He emphasized that Akinyosoye’s choice demonstrates that Nigeria is on the right path in promoting fencing and building a strong team for the 2028 Olympics.
“We can’t wait to have him represent Nigeria in an international tournament and mix up with others already in the team,” Samuel added.