Nigeria has reaffirmed its preparedness to host the 23rd African Fencing Championships, scheduled to take place from June 25 to 29 in Lagos.
This marks the fourth time the prestigious event will be held in Sub-Saharan Africa, following previous editions in Senegal (2002 and 2009) and Mali (2019).
At a press conference held Tuesday at the Lagos Fencing Club, President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation, Adeyinka Samuel, expressed pride and enthusiasm about the upcoming tournament.
“Today marks a truly historic moment for Nigerian sports, and indeed for the entire African continent,” said Samuel.
“From June 25 to 29, Lagos will open its doors to Africa’s finest fencing talents as we proudly host the African Fencing Championships. This is more than just a competition—it’s a landmark achievement that places Nigeria among the few Sub-Saharan nations to host this prestigious event.”
Samuel emphasized Nigeria’s rising profile in the sport, citing its successful hosting of the African Junior Championships in 2018 and 2022, as well as the Fencing World Cup in 2024.
“Nigeria is fast emerging as a hub for fencing in Africa, and this championship is a testament to our consistent progress and dedication,” he added.
The five-day event will be hosted at Charterhouse Lagos, the first British independent school in West Africa.
The venue, known for its state-of-the-art facilities and academic heritage rooted in over four centuries of British tradition, previously hosted Nigeria’s inaugural Fencing World Cup.
“To the 26 African countries that have confirmed participation, bringing over 200 athletes, we promise a world-class experience,” Samuel said. “Expect top-tier hospitality, seamless organization, and the vibrancy of Lagos—a city rich in culture, infrastructure, and sportsmanship.”
In addition to the sporting competition, organizers promise a “uniquely Nigerian experience” through cultural showcases and a celebration of pan-African unity.
Angela Hencher, Chief Operating Officer of Charterhouse Lagos, echoed the excitement, affirming the school’s commitment to fostering global citizenship and excellence.
“Charterhouse Lagos is proud to host the 2025 Senior African Fencing Championships,” said Hencher. “This collaboration aligns with our mission to provide a transformative education grounded in British excellence, character development, and global citizenship.”
She noted that fencing embodies values at the core of the school’s philosophy—Excellence, Integrity, Courtesy, Service, and Wellbeing. “Fencing demands strategic thinking, self-discipline, and resilience. We are thrilled to open our world-class facilities to the continent’s top athletes and contribute to the elevation of fencing in Nigeria.”
Hencher concluded by highlighting the broader impact of the event: “This championship is not just an event—it’s a celebration of excellence, ambition, and cross-cultural collaboration. We are honoured, excited, and ready to support Nigerian fencing on this incredible journey.”
The 2025 African Fencing Championships are expected to draw attention from across the continent and beyond, reinforcing Nigeria’s growing influence in international fencing and showcasing Lagos as a premier destination for major sporting events.
