The National Sports Commission (NSC) has pledged its full support to fencing after the country’s remarkable performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships held in Lagos.
The six-day event, the first senior fencing competition in Africa, brought together athletes from more than 20 countries.
India dominated the medal table, but Nigeria finished a proud fourth overall, the highest-ranked African nation in the tournament.
The Director General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, praised the athletes for their courage and skill, noting that their achievements proved Nigeria’s sporting excellence extended far beyond football.
“I’m thrilled and intrigued because we spent the last 24 hours feeling sad about the Super Falcons not qualifying for the World Cup.
“However, this shows that beyond football, Nigerians are thriving in other sports, organising competitions, and producing champions. We must give respect and credence to those sports,” Olopade said.
He stressed that fencing, as an Olympic sport, deserves greater recognition and investment. Many of Nigeria’s medal winners were under 20, which he described as a clear sign of the sport’s potential to produce future champions.
Backing his words with action, Olopade announced a $10,000 quarterly grant for Oghenegaren Osiovwa-Thompson, Nigeria’s first gold medallist at the championships, who will also be placed in Category A of the NSC’s high-performance athletes’ programme.
Other rewards include $5,000 for gold medalists, $2,000 for silver medalists, and $1,000 for bronze medalists.
The commission’s DG explained that his support followed persistent advocacy from fencing officials who had consistently demonstrated the sport’s growth trajectory.
“The President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation, Adeyinka Samuel, kept on showing me the pathways to success in fencing, kept pushing, kept trying. Eventually, I said, okay, the National Sports Commission will support you,” he remarked.
He commended the federation, athletes, coaches, officials, sponsors, and participating nations, noting that the championships had once again proven Nigeria’s ability to host world-class sporting events.
Samuel, who was also elected President of the Commonwealth Fencing Federation (CFC), lauded the NSC leadership under Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director General Olopade for their firm belief in the sport.
He promised to continue working tirelessly to ensure Nigeria’s qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games in the United States.
