Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, has congratulated 16-year-old Oghenegaren Esiovwa-Thompson on his historic gold medal victory at the Commonwealth Fencing Championships in Lagos.
Esiovwa-Thompson, an indigene of Osubi in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, made history by becoming the first Nigerian to win a gold medal in the Men’s Under-23 Epee event at the Commonwealth Fencing Championships.
Dafinone, in a congratulatory message, described the feat as a landmark achievement for Nigerian sports and a source of immense pride for Delta State and the Urhobo Nation.
“On behalf of the good people of Delta Central and the entire Urhobo Nation, I celebrate this remarkable achievement by one of our own, Oghenegaren Esiovwa-Thompson, who has made history by winning Nigeria’s first-ever gold medal in the Men’s Under-23 Epee event at the Commonwealth Fencing Championships in Lagos,” Dafinone said.
The Senator noted that the teenager’s age made the accomplishment even more remarkable, adding that Esiovwa-Thompson displayed exceptional composure, discipline and determination throughout the competition.
At just 16, Esiovwa-Thompson went unbeaten in his pool before progressing through the knockout stages with victories over opponents from South Africa and India.
He defeated South Africa’s Mathobela 15-7 before overpowering an Indian opponent 15-2 in the quarter-final. He then edged India’s Ashwini Shaurya 15-11 in the semi-final to secure his place in the final.
The young fencer capped the impressive campaign with a commanding 15-5 victory over Asian champion Lokesh Verma of India to claim the historic gold medal.
Dafinone said the achievement represented a significant milestone for Nigerian sport and demonstrated what young Nigerians could accomplish when given the opportunity to develop their talents.
“This is a historic moment for Nigerian sport and a proud moment for Delta State. Oghenegaren has achieved what no Nigerian had done before, and he has done so with remarkable composure, discipline and determination,” he said.
The Delta Central Senator also highlighted Esiovwa-Thompson’s decision to represent Nigeria after previously competing for England, describing it as a demonstration of patriotism and pride in his Nigerian heritage.
“His decision to represent Nigeria after previously competing for England makes the achievement even more significant. It reflects a commendable sense of patriotism and pride in his Nigerian heritage and should inspire young Nigerians to believe in their abilities and pursue excellence wherever their talents lead them,” Dafinone said.
He commended the teenager’s parents, coaches and support team for nurturing his talent and supporting his development, stressing that the success of a young athlete is often backed by the commitment of people who believe in the talent before wider recognition comes.
“I also commend Oghenegaren’s parents, coaches and support team for nurturing his talent and standing behind him throughout his journey. Behind every champion is a network of people who believed before the world took notice,” he added.
Dafinone urged Esiovwa-Thompson to remain focused and view the historic triumph as the beginning of a potentially distinguished international career.
“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.
