The Commonwealth Fencing Federation has announced that Nigeria, Australia, and 18 other countries have met the registration deadline for the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships. The event will take place in Lagos from August 9 to 14.
India will have the largest team, with 67 fencers competing in veteran, U-23, para, and senior categories. They will compete in epee, foil, and sabre events.
Other countries taking part include Bangladesh, Botswana, Cyprus, England, Ghana, Guernsey, Jamaica, Kenya, Mauritius, Namibia, Northern Ireland, Pakistan, Singapore, South Africa, The Gambia, Togo, and Wales.
CFF President Dufour Marie-France spoke about the importance of the event. She said it is the first time in ten years that the championships are returning to Africa.
“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 U-17 category, becoming the first Junior-Cadet Championships in Commonwealth fencing history.
“The Lagos edition has all the hallmarks of being transformational as, for the first time, U-23 individual events will be incorporated into the well-established Senior and Veteran Championships. This creates additional opportunities for young fencers to experience international-level competition and aim for the podium.
“These championships are also groundbreaking in that wheelchair fencing will be introduced as an official medalling event, following the success of the para-fencing demonstration in London in 2022,” she added.
The President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation, Adeyinka Samuel, called the tournament historic. “This will be the first Senior and Veteran Commonwealth Fencing Championships hosted in Africa, marking a momentous occasion for the sport and the Commonwealth community.
“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 unite nations, promote sportsmanship, and encourage cultural exchange. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Lagos, a city full of life, history, and opportunity. May this Championship be an unforgettable experience for all,” he said.
Nigeria recently introduced the mascots for the games. They are eagle-themed male and female characters named Gidi and Laci. They represent the federation’s vision of reaching greater heights in fencing and Nigerian sports overall.
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