The 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships kicked off in Lagos on Saturday, with athletes from 20 countries set to compete over six days of action, www.aclsports.com reports.
The Championships, which run from 9 to 14 August at Rugby School Nigeria in Atlantic City, Victoria Island, mark the first time the Commonwealth’s senior fencing competition is being staged in Africa.
Speaking at the opening of the Championships, Commonwealth Fencing Federation President Marie-France Dufour praised Nigeria’s efforts in securing the hosting rights and preparing for the event. She revealed that Nigeria beat Australia to host the Championships after meeting all requirements set by the Federation.
Dufour added that the event presents an opportunity to grow the sport across Africa and expressed confidence that it will inspire greater participation in fencing across the continent.
Nigeria Fencing Federation President Adeyinka Samuel described the Championships as a landmark moment for the sport in the country, saying hosting the event fulfils a long-held ambition and will provide Nigerian athletes with valuable exposure against some of the Commonwealth’s leading fencers.
He added that Nigeria’s experience in staging international competitions, including the FIE Junior World Cup and African Championships, played a key role in securing the hosting rights.
Samuel also reiterated his ambition of seeing a Nigerian fencer qualify for the Olympic Games after the country narrowly missed out on achieving the feat in 2008.
“My ultimate dream is to see a Nigerian qualify for the Olympic Games after narrowly missing that chance in 2008,” he said.
Members of Team Nigeria are also looking forward to competing in front of home supporters. Folayemi Akinyosoye, Nigeria’s highest-ranked male fencer, said the team is determined to make the most of the opportunity, while leading female fencer Adebodunrin Thomas is targeting a strong outing after her recent appearance at the World Championships in Hong Kong.
Thomas said her goal is to continue improving with every competition and help Nigeria achieve success on home soil.
Local Organising Committee member Olaitan Ogunbiyi commended the efforts that went into preparing for the Championships and expressed confidence that the tournament would run smoothly.
More than 20 countries are represented at the Championships, including England, South Africa, Wales, Australia, Botswana, Cyprus, India, Kenya, Mauritius, Togo, Ghana, New Zealand, Singapore, Namibia and hosts Nigeria.
The 2026 edition will also see the introduction of U-23 and wheelchair events, expanding the competition programme and providing more medal opportunities for participating nations.
Medals will be contested across the senior, U-23, veteran and wheelchair categories in the first Commonwealth senior fencing championships to be held in Africa.
