The 2026 Commonwealth Federation Fencing Championships officially got underway in Lagos on Sunday, with Nigeria making history as the first African country to host the senior edition of the competition.
The six-day championship is taking place at Rugby School Nigeria, Atlantic City, Victoria Island, with delegations from 20 countries competing across various categories.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Commonwealth Fencing Federation President, Marie-France Dufour, praised Nigeria for its preparations and applauded the enthusiasm shown by the country’s athletes.
Dufour said the championship would help raise the profile of fencing in Africa while encouraging more people across the continent to take up the sport.
President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation, Adeyinka Samuel, described the event as a landmark achievement and the realisation of an ambition he had held for years.
“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, also commended the committee’s efforts in putting the championship together, expressing confidence that the competition would run smoothly.
Nigeria’s fencers are equally eager to make an impression on home soil.
Folayemi Akinyosoye, the country’s second-highest ranked male fencer globally, promised to spearhead Nigeria’s campaign, while leading female fencer Adebodunrin Thomas said she was determined to improve on her recent showing 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.
More than 20 countries, including England, South Africa, Wales, Australia, Botswana, Cyprus, India, Kenya, Mauritius, Togo, Ghana, New Zealand, Singapore and Namibia, are taking part alongside hosts Nigeria.
The championship features senior, U-23, veteran and wheelchair categories, with the U-23 and wheelchair competitions making their debut in Lagos.
The opening day features contests in the men’s and women’s epee, foil and sabre events.
