NIGERIA TO HOST HISTORIC 2026 COMMONWEALTH FENCING CHAMPIONSHIPS IN LAGOS
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation, Adeyinka Samuel, has announced that Nigeria will host a landmark edition of the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships, becoming the first sub-Saharan African nation to stage the tournament.
The championship is scheduled to take place in Lagos from August 9 to 14, with Rugby School Nigeria selected as the official venue.
The hosting rights were awarded to Nigeria in March 2025 by the Commonwealth Fencing Federation, marking another milestone in the country’s growing profile in international fencing.
Samuel described the tournament as historic, noting that it would be the first time the competition would be held on African soil. He added that the event would go beyond competition, incorporating development initiatives such as an international training camp to promote technical exchange among athletes.
“Nigeria’s hosting will be unique in several ways. It is the inaugural edition on African soil, and we are integrating development programmes while also showcasing African culture and hospitality,” he said.
According to him, preparations are progressing steadily across logistics, venue readiness, athlete services, and partnerships, with more than 24 Commonwealth countries already registered to participate.
The 2026 event will be the third major international fencing tournament hosted by Nigeria, following the junior épée World Cup staged in Lagos in December 2024 and the 23rd African Fencing Championships held in the country last year.
Explaining the choice of venue, Samuel said Rugby School Nigeria was selected for its modern facilities and strategic location near key hospitality and tourism hubs, ensuring a seamless experience for athletes and officials.
He also acknowledged the role of private sector support, including contributions from Flour Mills of Nigeria, but called for increased government involvement to further develop the sport.
“Hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships is a milestone achievement. Stronger institutional support will help Nigeria maximise this opportunity and deliver a truly world-class event,” he added.
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