President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation, Adeyinka Samuel, has explained that the country’s successful hosting of the 2025 World Cup persuaded the Commonwealth Fencing Federation (CFF) to award its 2026 championships right to the nation.
 
Nigeria made history yesterday when it became the first African country to be awarded the hosting rights for the 2026 Commonwealth Senior and Veterans Fencing Championships.
 
The CFF conditionally approved Nigeria’s bid, with certain conditions to be met for the 2026 tournament.  This achievement follows Nigeria’s successful hosting of the Fencing World Cup last year, the first time a Sub-Saharan African country hosted such an event. Over 10 countries participated in the World Cup staged at Charter House Lagos.
  
Samuel said that Nigeria beat Australia, a nation that has hosted the Commonwealth Championships three times and is among the most experienced globally, to win the hosting right.

“This achievement reflects the strength of our bid and Nigeria’s growing respect on the international stage.