President of the Commonwealth Fencing Federation (CFF), Marie-France Dufour, says Nigeria was awarded the hosting rights for the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships after its bid best satisfied the requirements among competing nations, www.aclsports.com reports.
Nigeria will become the first African nation to host the Commonwealth Fencing Senior Championships when Lagos stages the event in August. Speaking in an exclusive interview, Dufour explained that the decision followed a detailed evaluation process guided by the federation’s technical and organisational standards.
“The hosting rights were awarded by Commonwealth Sport to the CFF, which then sought their sanction for our championships, as has been the practice in the past,” Dufour said.
“The CFF enjoys a strong, long-term partnership with Commonwealth Sport, which has consistently expressed confidence in our robust selection process. Nigeria’s bid was selected through this process, reflecting the spirit of the Commonwealth.”
Dufour said Nigeria’s bid stood out after a full assessment of competing applications in line with the federation’s rules and requirements.
“Commonwealth Sport sanctions our events only after the CFF has conducted due diligence in line with our Organisation Handbook and Championship Rules,” she said. “After reviewing multiple candidates, the Board determined Nigeria’s proposal best satisfied the requirements at the time.”
The decision marks a historic milestone for African fencing, with the continent set to host the senior championships for the first time. Dufour noted that previous experience on the continent helped strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s ability to deliver a successful event.
“That successful experience gave us confidence that similar success could be achieved in Nigeria, provided the host met all requirements,” she said, referring to the Junior Commonwealth Fencing Championships held in South Africa in 2015.
She also highlighted the growth of fencing across African Commonwealth nations, pointing to rising participation levels and improved development structures.
“We are particularly encouraged by the growth of fencing in African Commonwealth nations, reflected in increased participation at our events,” Dufour said. “The development of infrastructure and resources across the continent has enriched the CFF by bringing greater diversity and representation.”
Preparations for the 2026 Championships have already begun, with the CFF working closely with Nigeria’s Local Organising Committee to ensure full compliance with international standards.
“Following Nigeria’s selection, our Technical Committee established close collaboration with the organisers, holding around 20 virtual meetings and conducting a technical site visit,” she said. “Venue arrangements, services and equipment have been reviewed, experienced officials are supporting the process, and international referees have been secured.”
One of the key features of the 2026 edition will be the introduction of the Under-23 category, which has contributed to strong participation from member nations despite global travel challenges.
“Despite global challenges, we are delighted by the strong participation this year, particularly with the introduction of the U23 category, which has attracted impressive numbers,” Dufour said. “Personally, I look forward to witnessing this historic first in Africa.”
Sixteen countries are expected to compete in Lagos, including Australia, Bangladesh, Botswana, Cyprus, England, Guernsey, Ghana, India, Jamaica, Namibia, Nigeria, Northern Ireland, South Africa, Singapore, Togo and Wales.
Beyond competition, Dufour believes hosting the championships will leave a long-term legacy for Nigeria’s sporting development and international event management capacity.
“Nigeria will gain invaluable experience in hosting an international event of this scale,” she said. “Overcoming the challenges involved will strengthen their capacity to submit future bids and enhance their organisational expertise.”
The 2026 edition will also feature para fencing as a full championship event after its successful debut as a demonstration sport at the 2022 Championships in London.
“We are thrilled by the strong response from African para-fencers, marking a milestone in diversity and representation consistent with the CFF’s mission to grow fencing across the Commonwealth,” she concluded.
The championships will take place in Lagos from 6 to 10 August, bringing together athletes from 16 nations for a landmark moment in African fencing.
