
Brou Inkosi was Nigeria’s top performer at the 24th African Fencing Championships in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, securing seventh place in the men’s sabre event. Inkosi competed against a strong field, including 2024 Olympic silver medalist Fares Ferjani and defending champion Ahmed Hesham, who retained his title. Inkosi advanced from his pool with victories over fencers from Cape Verde, Algeria, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire, earning a bye into the round of 16 where he defeated Algeria’s Lotfi Ibrihen 15-14. In the quarter-finals, Inkosi faced Hesham again, losing 15-9. Fellow Nigerian Oluwafolayemi Akinyosoye placed 13th in the men’s sabre. In the men’s epee, Diekolola Johnson and Leonard Chizim Aninyei progressed from the group stage but exited in the round of 32. Adebodunrin Thomas advanced from the women’s epee group stage before losing in the round of 32. National coach Ibrahim Alogba commended the team’s performance, viewing it as valuable preparation for the 2026 Commonwealth Championships in Lagos.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.

Former France defender Gaël Clichy believes Michael Olise has the talent to be France’s breakout star at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Olise, a Bayern Munich forward, is heading into his first World Cup with high expectations. Clichy, who worked with Olise during the 2024 Paris Olympics where France’s Under-23 team won a silver medal, compared Olise's potential impact to Kylian Mbappé’s breakthrough at the 2018 World Cup. Clichy stated that Olise has developed significantly since moving to Bayern Munich and is ready to showcase his talent globally. He added that if Olise performs at the level he has shown for Bayern Munich, he will be recognized as one of France's best players. Clichy also highlighted Rayan Cherki as another emerging talent from the Olympic squad who could make a major impact. With established stars and emerging talents, France is expected to be a strong contender for the 2026 World Cup.
Must ReadGlobal health experts, under the Global Climate and Health Alliance, have called on governments at the UN climate negotiations in Bonn, Germany, to significantly increase public adaptation financing. They warn that inadequate investment in climate resilience could lead to worsening health risks for millions. The experts propose that adaptation funding should reach at least $120 billion annually by 2035 to help vulnerable communities strengthen health systems, improve access to clean water and sanitation, bolster food security, and prepare for climate-related disasters. Jess Beagley, Policy Lead at the alliance, highlighted that insufficient funding would hinder efforts to protect public health, especially in low- and middle-income countries, potentially leading to increased malnutrition, waterborne diseases, and disruptions in healthcare. The alliance also urged wealthy nations to transition away from fossil fuels, citing threats to human health and the environment. Nova Tebbe, Postdoctoral Researcher, noted that expanding fossil fuel production is incompatible with limiting global warming to safe levels and emphasized prioritizing clean energy access for communities and healthcare facilities. Michele Baker, Policy Coordinator, expressed concern about undocumented and underfunded health impacts from climate-related loss and damage, calling for a comprehensive framework to assess losses and greater accountability for financial commitments made under the Fund for Responding to
Must ReadAtiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, has expressed his delight over the rescue of 360 individuals abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe, Borno State. The Nigerian military's Operation HADIN KAI successfully rescued the abductees from the Mandara Mountains, a known terrorist stronghold. Atiku described the rescue as a relief for the victims and their families, who had endured months of uncertainty since the abduction in March. He commended the military and other security agencies for their role in the operation. The former Vice President stated his confidence that Nigeria's armed forces can defeat insurgency with adequate equipment and strong political leadership. He urged the government and security agencies to continue efforts to free other abducted Nigerians, including schoolchildren and teachers from Oriire, Oyo State, and Mussa, Borno State. Atiku also advocated for reforms to Nigeria's security architecture, emphasizing intelligence gathering, technology, and preventive measures.