As Nigeria prepares to host the 23rd African Fencing Championships from June 25 to 29 at Charterhouse Lagos, the Nigeria Fencing Federation is confident that the country is primed to end its long-standing medal drought at the prestigious continental event.
With a rejuvenated team and growing investment in the sport, Federation President Adeyinka Samuel believes this year’s competition could mark a pivotal moment for Nigerian fencing. He described the event as a “legacy moment” for the sport in the country, highlighting the emergence of a new generation of fencers and renewed energy within the federation.
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“On a personal note, as a former athlete, I vividly remember competing at the Senior African Championships in Morocco in 2008, where I narrowly missed a medal,” Samuel recalled. “To now host this very event as President is the culmination of years of sacrifice, dedication, and a shared vision for Nigerian fencing.”
Despite Nigeria having never won a medal at the African Fencing Championships, Samuel expressed confidence in the nation’s prospects this year, thanks to increased technical preparation and international collaboration.
“Our athletes are more prepared than ever before,” he said. “We’ve invested heavily in coach development, international exposure, and high-performance training camps. With the support of the home crowd, our fencers are mentally and physically ready to make history.”
Team Nigeria’s preparation has included hiring an international coach from Italy, organizing joint training camps with other African nations, and focusing on athlete development through targeted support in nutrition, conditioning, and mental strength.
Samuel revealed that the team is aiming to win at least two medals, even in the face of tough competition from across the continent.
Among the standout athletes is 13-year-old U.S.-based Peluola Akinbamiro, who will be competing in her first tournament on home soil. Akinbamiro, who previously represented Nigeria at the 2025 African and World Junior Championships in Angola and China, is optimistic about the team’s chances.
“I’m excited to finally compete in Nigeria. We’ve trained hard, and I believe we’re ready to break the medal drought,” she said.
Homegrown fencer Wisdom Okanlawon also shared his anticipation ahead of the tournament: “It won’t be easy facing some of the best fencers in Africa and the world, but I’m hopeful. This is my first senior tournament, and I believe we can make our presence felt.”
Over 200 fencers from more than 26 African countries are expected to compete across 12 events during the five-day championship. This will be the third time the African Fencing Championships are held in a Sub-Saharan African country, following previous editions in Mali (2019) and Senegal (2003 and 2009).
The event is expected to draw significant attention from fans and stakeholders, with Nigeria aiming to turn promise into podium finishes on home soil.
