World No. 1 heads to Lagos for 23rd African Fencing Championships

Twenty-two-year-old world number one Mohamed El-Sayed of Egypt is among the elite fencers set to compete in the 23rd African Fencing

Championships, scheduled to take place in Lagos from June 25 to 29.

El-Sayed, who recently clinched a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic

Games, will be joined by his brother, Mahmoud El-Sayed, the 2025 Junior World Champion.

Speaking at a press briefing ahead of the tournament—the third ever to be hosted in sub-Saharan Africa after previous editions in Senegal

(2002, 2009) and Mali (2019)—President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation, Adeyinka Samuel, announced that 26 countries and over 200

fencers are expected to participate in this prestigious continental event.

“A total of 26 African nations have confirmed their participation,

bringing with them more than 200 athletes,” Samuel stated. “We are committed to delivering a world-class experience. Participants can

expect exceptional hospitality, professional organization, and a vibrant, secure environment. Lagos offers a unique combination of modern

infrastructure, cultural richness, and passionate sportsmanship. Beyond the intense competition, we aim to showcase a memorable Nigerian

experience, featuring cultural displays that reflect our diversity and a strong pan-African spirit of unity.”

Samuel emphasized the high caliber of athletes set to compete, including Senior World No. 1 and Olympic bronze medalist Mohamed El-Sayed; Junior World No. 1 Mahmoud El-Sayed; 2024 Olympic silver medalist Fares

Ferjani; and former World Champion Ndolo Alexandra of Kenya. Nigeria’s own Inkosi Brou, currently ranked 23rd in the world, will also be

competing, among many other top-tier fencers.Highlighting the significance of the event, Samuel added: “We are immensely proud to announce that top Executive Committee members from the International Fencing Federation will be attending, marking their

first official visit to Africa. Additionally, all executive members of the African Fencing Confederation will be present, underscoring the

importance of this championship for the growth and development of fencing across the continent.”

The tournament will be hosted at the iconic Charterhouse Lagos—the first

British independent school in West Africa—located in the bustling heart of the city. Having previously hosted Nigeria’s first Fencing World Cup,

Charterhouse, with its 400-year legacy of British academic excellence,

is seen as the ideal venue for the championship, which is sanctioned bythe International Fencing Federation (FIE).

Angela Hencher, Chief Operating Officer of Charterhouse, reaffirmed the school’s commitment to supporting the sport: “Charterhouse will continue

to partner with the federation to help grow fencing in Nigeria and

across Africa. The Senior African Fencing Championships will bring

together athletes from across the continent, aligning with our vision to

nurture proactive contributors ready to make a meaningful impact in an interconnected world.”

“Beyond the competition,” she added, “this event is a celebration of the power of sport, fostering a culture of excellence and ambition.”