The president of British Fencing Association and executive committee member of Fédération Internationale d’Escrime (FIE), Patricia Aiyenuro has showered encomiums on Nigeria’s governing body of the sport for what she referred to as their professionalism, commitment and ambition.
Sports247 reports that Aiyenuro, who is the first black woman to head a national sports association in Europe, posited that the tremendous quality of people in the Nigerian Fencing Federation has made it possible for them to expand their impact beyond the national scene unto the international level.
Aiyenuro added that the federation’s commitment and efficiency made it possible for them to win hosting rights for this year’s Commonwealth Fencing Championship, which will take place in Lagos from August 9th to 14th, with Nigeria bound to gain a lot from hosting the competition.
“I am genuinely excited to see the Commonwealth Fencing Championships taking place in Lagos. It’s an important milestone, not just for Nigeria but for fencing across the Commonwealth. Hosting major championships in different regions helps broaden the sport’s reach.
“It also demonstrates that world-class events can be successfully delivered beyond the traditional hosting nations. Championships are always about more than medals; they are an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of our fencing community and strengthen relationships between member nations.
“Every international event provides valuable experience, and the Nigeria Fencing Federation has consistently demonstrated a willingness to learn and improve. Over recent years, they have hosted international competitions that have strengthened their organisational capability and technical expertise.
“Hosting a Commonwealth Championships is undoubtedly a significant undertaking, but I believe the Federation has shown the commitment, professionalism and ambition required,” concluded the amiable and highly jocular fencing stakeholder.
Sports247 gathered further that the the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championship will take place in Lagos from August 9th to 14th, with contingents from Australia, Bangladesh, Botswana, Cyprus, England, Ghana, Guernsey, India and Jamaica participating.
Others will come from Kenya, Mauritius, Namibia, Northern Ireland, Pakistan, Singapore, South Africa, Gambia, Togo and Wales, with India set to present the largest delegation of 67 fencers.
The championship, which will involve contests in veteran, senior, under-23 and para categories, will also involve epee, foil, and sabre classifications during a six-day schedule of events, among some of the Commonwealth’s best fencers.
, Patricia Aiyenuro){kind=link}