The President of Fencing Federation of Nigeria, Adeyinka Samuel has described the country’s successful bid to host this year’s Commonwealth championship as an opportunity to inspire young people and promote international friendship.
Sports247 reports that Samuel was reeling with delight, as a major step towards building awareness about the forthcoming competition in Lagos was enacted when the official logo and mascot for the event were unveiled last week.
Samuel said the event, which took place at Rugby School, Eko Atlantic City, further laid credence to immense values accruable from hosting the quadrennial championship, which was last staged at University of East London in England.
Lagos will next host the iconic competition, which is officially tagged 2026 Senior Commonwealth Fencing Championships, from August 9th to 14th, ahead of which Samuel affirmed that the stage is set with the final lap of preparations.
He added that everything is moving ahead seamlessly, as Lagos gets ready to host the best fencers from across the Commonwealth, while marking the first time the event will be staged on African soil and Samuel posited that it is a landmark moment for Nigeria.
The fencing president disclosed further that the federation earlier built its reputation by successfully hosting two major events – International Fencing Federation-sanctioned FIE World Cup and African Fencing Championships.
He pointed out that, following those achievements, Nigeria will set new standards in becoming the first African country to stage the Commonwealth’s senior fencing event, while South Africa only hosted the junior edition in 2022.
Samuel added that the unveiling ceremony was a symbolic moment of pride for Nigeria, which won the hosting bid ahead of Australia and further served as a very strong testament to the country’s rising stature in international fencing.
“(It’s) a proud moment for Nigerian sport, as we officially launch the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships, a historic event that will bring the Commonwealth fencing family to Nigeria for the very first time.
“This achievement reflects the remarkable growth of fencing in our country and the confidence that the international sporting community has placed in Nigeria’s ability to host a world-class championship.
“This championship is about much more than medals. It is about creating opportunities, inspiring young people, promoting international friendship, and showcasing the very best of Nigeria to the world,” Samuel concluded.
