The Nigeria Fencing Federation (NFF) has started its final preparation for the 23rd African Fencing Championships set to hold in Lagos, from June 25 to 29, 2025.
 
Nigeria will be represented by 12 athletes at the championships, which the NFF said, would help the country to advance its march to the 2026 Olympic Games.
 
Speaking while unveiling the programme for a successful hosting of the championship, NFF President, Olayinka Samuel, said that hosting the tournament would provide the opportunity for the country’s stars to gauge their development against some of the best fencers in the world, adding that the team is set for action.
 
He said: “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.”
 
He highlighted Nigeria’s growing stature in international fencing, noting past successes to include the African Junior Championships in 2018 and 2022, and the 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 tournament will be held at Charterhouse Lagos, the first British independent school in West Africa. The venue, which successfully hosted Nigeria’s first Fencing World Cup, boasts a legacy rooted in over 400 years of British academic tradition.
 
“To the 26 African countries that have confirmed participation, bringing over 200 athletes, we promise a world-class experience,” Samuel assured, adding: “Expect top-tier hospitality, seamless organisation, and the vibrancy of Lagos—a city rich in culture, infrastructure, and sportsmanship.

Beyond the competition, we aim to deliver a uniquely Nigerian experience with cultural showcases and a spirit of unity that defines the pan-African ideal.”
 
Also speaking at the event, the Chief Operating Officer of Charterhouse Lagos, Angela Hencher, expressed enthusiasm about the event and the school’s ongoing partnership with the NFF.
 
“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 said that fencing reflects the school’s core values—excellence, integrity, courtesy, service, and wellbeing, adding: “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 emphasised that the event extends beyond sport. “It aligns with our vision of nurturing proactive global citizens. 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.”