Nigeria and 19 other countries have been confirmed by the Commonwealth Fencing Federation (CFF) to have successfully met the deadline for the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships set to hold in Lagos from 9 to 14 August.
Other participating countries include Bangladesh, Botswana, Cyprus, England, Ghana, Guernsey, Kenya, Jamaica, India, Mauritius, Namibia, Northern Ireland, Pakistan, Singapore, South Africa, The Gambia, Togo, and Wales.
From among these countries, India is set to field the largest contingent with 67 fencers set to compete across the Veteran, U-23, Para and Senior categories in epee, foil, and sabre.
Commenting on the event’s importance, CFF President, Dufour Marie-France, highlighted that it marks the return of the championships to Africa after a decade.
“It has been some 10 years since the Commonwealth Fencing Federation held championships in Africa. We were in Cape Town, South Africa, at the time, and that championship was historic as it incorporated, for the first time, the cadet (U17) category, becoming the first Junior-Cadet Championships in Commonwealth fencing history.”
She also commented on the official introduction of wheelchair fencing to be held at the Lagos event.
“These championships are also groundbreaking in that wheelchair fencing will be introduced as an official medaling event, following the success of the para-fencing demonstration in London in 2022,” she commented.
Meanwhile, the President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation, Adeyinka Samuel, labelled the tournament as historic, stating that it will be the first Senior and Veteran Commonwealth Fencing Championships hosted in Africa, therefore marking a momentous occasion for the sport and the Commonwealth community.
He expressed great anticipation and excitement for the event.
“The Nigerian Fencing Federation, in collaboration with the CFF, is proud to welcome senior, veteran, and U-23 athletes from across the Commonwealth. The Championships will not only showcase athletic excellence but also foster unity, sportsmanship, and cultural exchange among nations. We eagerly anticipate welcoming participants to Lagos, a city full of life, history, and opportunity. May this Championship be an unforgettable experience for all.”