Tayo Ogunseye
Nigeria has taken centre stage in the global fencing community as the 2026 Commonwealth Federation Fencing Championships got underway in Lagos, as the country became the first African nation to host the prestigious Senior Championships.
The six-day championship, which opened at Rugby School Nigeria in Atlantic City, Victoria Island, has attracted athletes and officials from more than 20 countries, setting the stage for intense competition across four categories.
The championships feature Senior, U-23, Veteran and Wheelchair events, with the latter two making their debut at the Commonwealth Federation Fencing Championships in Lagos.
President of the Commonwealth Fencing Federation, Marie-France Dufour, hailed Nigeria’s successful bid and praised the country for meeting all the federation’s hosting requirements.
Dufour disclosed that Nigeria beat Australia to secure the hosting rights, adding that the championship would provide a major boost to the development and popularity of fencing across Africa.
She expressed confidence that the presence of some of the Commonwealth’s leading fencers in Lagos would inspire more young Africans to take up the sport.
President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation, Adeyinka Samuel, described the event as the realisation of a dream he had nurtured since his active days as a fencer.
“This is a dream come true,” Samuel said.
“Since my active fencing years, I have envisioned Nigeria hosting an event of this magnitude. We have already staged six international competitions, including the FIE-sanctioned Junior World Cup and African Championships, but this championship opens even greater opportunities.
“Our athletes will gain invaluable experience competing against some of the best fencers from across the Commonwealth. My ultimate dream is to see a Nigerian qualify for the Olympic Games after narrowly missing that chance in 2008.”
Local Organising Committee member, Olaitan Ogunbiyi, praised the commitment of members of the organising team, expressing confidence that the competition would run smoothly.
For Team Nigeria, attention will be on its leading fencers as they seek to make an impact against a strong international field.
Folayemi Akinyosoye, one of Nigeria’s highest-ranked male fencers, has pledged to lead the home team to a strong showing, while leading female fencer Adebodunrin Thomas is targeting an improved performance after her recent appearance at the World Championships in Hong Kong.
“My aim is to continue improving at every tournament and, together with my teammates, make our nation proud,” Thomas said.
The championship represents another major step in Nigeria’s efforts to establish itself as a leading fencing destination in Africa, while giving the country’s athletes an opportunity to gain valuable international experience.
The championship has drawn participants from Nigeria, England, South Africa, Wales, Australia, Botswana, Cyprus, India, Kenya, Mauritius, Togo, Ghana, New Zealand, Singapore and Namibia, among other countries
With the eyes of the Commonwealth fencing community firmly fixed on Lagos, the organisers are confident that the championship will leave a lasting legacy for the sport and inspire a new generation of Nigerian and African fencers.
