The Commonwealth Fencing Federation (CFF) has confirmed that Nigeria, Australia and 18 other countries have successfully met the registration deadline for the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships, scheduled to hold in Lagos from August 9 to 14.

From the list of confirmed countries, India will field the largest contingent with 67 fencers set to compete across the Veteran, U-23, Para and Senior categories in epee, foil, and sabre. Other participating nations 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, highlighted the significance of the event, noting that it marks the return of the championships to Africa after a decade.

“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 cadet (U17) 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 medaling event, following the success of the para-fencing demonstration in London in 2022,” she added.

The President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation, Adeyinka Samuel, described the tournament as historic, explaining: “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 foster unity, sportsmanship, and cultural exchange among nations. We eagerly anticipate welcoming participants to Lagos, a city full of life, history, and opportunity. May this Championship be an unforgettable experience for all.”