The President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation (NFF) Adeyinka Samuel, says hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Federation Championships will inspire greater participation and accelerate the development of the sports across the country.
This is contained in a statement by the federation’s Media Officer, Morakinyo Abodunrin, issued to newsmen on Sunday in Lagos.
Samuel described the hosting rights as a historic achievement, noting that it reflected Nigeria’s growing reputation as a destination for world-class fencing competitions.
According to him, Nigeria’s successful hosting of International Fencing Federation (FIE)-sanctioned World Cup events and the African Fencing Championships demonstrates the country’s capacity to organise international tournaments.
“This is an opportunity to showcase our ability to host global competitions, while expanding fencing into more schools and clubs across the country.
“It will also help attract long-term corporate partners willing to invest in youth development and sports infrastructure,” he said.
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The fencing president further stated that about 30 Commonwealth countries were expected to participate in the championship.
He added that the event would also deliver economic benefits through increased activities in the hospitality, tourism and entertainment sectors.
According to him, fencing remains one of the few sports open to people of all ages, revealing that competitors as old as 86 will feature at the championship.
“Fencing is a sport for all ages. It keeps you active and healthy and this competition will further demonstrate its lifelong appeal,” he said.
The NFF president also disclosed that the 2026 edition would introduce an Under-23 category, as well as wheelchair fencing, with medals to be awarded in the para discipline, for the first time in the history of the competition.
He explained that Nigeria would host wheelchair fencers from eight countries, further strengthening its position as an emerging centre for adaptive sports in Africa.
Samuel added that a wheelchair fencing academy would be launched, in partnership with World Ability Sports, ahead of the championship.
According to him, this is with the aim of training athletes, coaches and referees, positioning Nigeria as a leading force in the discipline, on the continent.
Describing the championship as a landmark event for both Nigeria and Africa, Samuel said it would also promote unity among Commonwealth nations, while raising the profile of fencing globally.
He expressed confidence that the planned live streaming of the competition and the anticipated global audience, would leave a lasting legacy for the sport and further enhance Nigeria’s image on the international sporting stage.
The 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Federation Championships is scheduled to hold in Lagos from Aug. 9 to Aug. 14.
Nigeria will be the first African country to host the senior edition of the competition, after defeating Australia, to secure the hosting rights.
