Nigeria has achieved yet another historic milestone in international Fencing as the country’s fencing president, Adeyinka Samuel, becomes the head of the Commonwealth Fencing Federation (CFF).
Samuel defeated incumbent Marie-France Dufour at the federation’s elective Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at Rugby School Nigeria, Atlantic City on Saturday, August 8, 2026, securing 14 votes against Dufour’s six.
His election shatters a longstanding tradition of CFF leadership drawn exclusively from nations such as Scotland, Australia, and Canada.
His ascendancy signals Africa’s growing influence in global fencing and heralds a new era for the sport across the Commonwealth.
The vote coincides with Nigeria’s hosting of the Senior and Veteran Commonwealth Fencing Championships in Lagos, the first time a Senior Championships has been staged on African soil.
More than 20 nations are participating in the six-day event, which runs through August 13.
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Expanding the Sport
In a significant development, this year’s championships will for the first time recognise U-23 and Wheelchair Fencing as medal-yielding competitions, marking a major step toward greater inclusivity in the sport.
Delegates at the AGM praised Samuel’s leadership and vision, noting his remarkable journey from world-class athlete to President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation.
Under his stewardship, Nigeria has successfully hosted FIE-sanctioned Junior World Cups and African Championships, culminating in this week’s historic Senior Commonwealth event.
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