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‎Seventeen-year-old Oghenegaren Esiovwa-Thompson, has explained that his decision to switch allegiance was driven by ambition and his desire to fulfil his Olympic dream.

‎Esiovwa-Thompson spoke on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Fencing Championships in Lagos State.

‎He made his international debut for Nigeria at the championships.

‎Esiovwa-Thompson won Nigeria’s first gold medal at an international fencing tournament on Sunday, emerging champion in the men’s U-23 epee event.

‎The teenager remained unbeaten throughout the competition and defeated three top Indian opponents on his way to the gold medal.

‎“There’s something in me that has always longed to fence for Nigeria. Even though I grew up in England and won several medals there, I knew representing Nigeria would be the right path to fulfil my Olympic dream,” he said.

‎Esiovwa-Thompson was cheered by his grandparents at the venue of the historic achievement.

‎Reflecting on his success, he said a lot of hard work and sacrifice had gone into winning the gold medal.

‎“A lot of training, dedication, sweat, and tears went into this. I’m just happy I won in front of Nigerians, in front of my family,” he said.

‎He said having competed internationally for England made him confident of performing on the big stage.

‎“I’ve been fencing longer than I haven’t been fencing. I knew how to stay calm, stay relaxed, and take every match one at a time,” he said.

‎The teenager said he only realised the importance of his achievement shortly before the final.

‎“I didn’t realise I was the first Nigerian to win gold at the Commonwealth Championships until just before the final.

‎“Doing this in front of my grandparents, in front of the fans, it’s overwhelming. Everything is just coming to me now, and I’m proud to represent my country,” he said.

‎Esiovwa-Thompson, who was initially unnoticed at the championships, quickly attracted attention after his flawless performance in the group stage.

‎He attributed his success in part to the crowd’s support.

‎“It was the first time I experienced that kind of support. The cheers from the fans hit me every time I stepped onto the stage. Their support was key to my victory,” he said.

‎Despite being Nigeria’s lone representative in the event, Esiovwa-Thompson said he did not feel pressured.

‎“Because I’ve been fencing all my life, I knew what to do. I stayed calm, stayed relaxed, and took every match one at a time,” he said.

‎His victory marked a historic breakthrough for Nigeria in international fencing.

‎According to him, the achievement is the beginning of a journey he hopes will take him to the Olympic Games, where he wants to represent Nigeria with pride.