By Nelson Alade
The 2026 Commonwealth Federation Fencing Championships have officially commenced in Lagos, marking the first time the prestigious Senior Championships are being hosted on African soil.
With delegations from 20 nations now in attendance, Rugby School Nigeria in Atlantic City, Victoria Island in Lagos, has become the vibrant stage for six days of world-class fencing competition.
Speaking at the opening, President of the Commonwealth Fencing Federation, Marie-France Dufour, commended Nigeria’s preparations and the enthusiasm of its athletes.
She noted that Nigeria met all hosting criteria set by the Federation, surpassing Australia to secure the rights. Dufour expressed confidence that the event would boost the popularity of fencing across Africa and inspire greater participation.
President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation, Adeyinka Samuel, described the tournament as historic and the fulfillment of a long-held dream. “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 dedication of the committee in delivering the event and predicted a smooth, hitch-free tournament. Nigerian athletes also expressed their excitement.
Folayemi Akinyosoye, Nigeria’s second-highest ranked male fencer globally, pledged to lead the team to a strong performance, while Adebodunrin Thomas, Nigeria’s leading female fencer, voiced her determination to surpass her recent performance 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.
Over 20 countries—including England, South Africa, Wales, Australia, Botswana, Cyprus, India, Kenya, Mauritius, Togo, Ghana, New Zealand, Singapore, Namibia, and host nation Nigeria—will compete across Senior, U-23, Veteran, and Wheelchair categories. Notably, the U-23 and Wheelchair events will debut in Lagos, adding new dimensions to the medal contests.
The 2026 Commonwealth Federation Fencing Championships promise to be a landmark event, showcasing the growth of fencing in Africa and reinforcing Nigeria’s place on the global sporting stage.
