Nigeria Fencing Federation President Adeyinka Samuel says the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships in Lagos will be used to grow the sport in the country, insisting the focus goes beyond medals, www.aclsports.com reports.
The competition will feature both individual and team events across foil, épée and sabre, with athletes from across the Commonwealth expected to compete between 9 and 14 August 2026.
Samuel stressed that hosting the competition is a statement of intent for Nigerian fencing, as the country continues to push development at all levels.
“This championship is about much more than medals,” he said. “It is about creating opportunities, inspiring young people, promoting international friendship, and showcasing the very best of Nigeria to the world.”
He added that the hosting rights reflect years of work behind the scenes to build the sport through grassroots development and structured programmes.
“It is about cultural exchange, about using sport as a tool for education, inclusion, and development,” Samuel explained. “We want every child who watches this championship to believe that they too can become a champion, not only in sport, but in life.”
Initiatives such as the FEED Sports programme, in partnership with Reach Africa and the International Fencing Federation, have also been central to efforts to grow fencing in Nigeria.
Adeyinka Samuel believes the tournament will strengthen ties within the Commonwealth fencing community while creating new pathways for young athletes.
As preparations continue, he is confident the Lagos championships will leave a lasting impact beyond competition results, helping to shape the future of fencing in Nigeria.
