Commonwealth Fencing Federation (CFC) President, Adeyinka Samuel, yesterday rolled back the years to write a new chapter in Nigeria’s fencing history.

The president of the Nigeria Fencing Federation (NFF), who was recently elected as CFC president (the first African to occupy the post), stunned the fencing crowd at the Rugby School, Eko Atlantic, Lagos, as he became the first Nigerian sabre fencer to win a medal at the Commonwealth Fencing Championships.

The fencer turned administrator, Samuel returned to the piste after 13 years, clad once again in full fencing regalia. Competing in the men’s sabre veteran category, he faced seasoned rivals from Wales, Australia, and Nigeria, rekindling the spirit of his competitive days with grit and precision.

Samuel overcame three of his four opponents, including compatriot Tonye Sawari, with his only defeat coming against eventual champion Oliver Massey of Wales.

That performance earned him a silver medal—the first of his fencing career and a landmark achievement for Nigeria.

Reflecting on his triumph, Samuel said: “I am so happy. I featured in two Commonwealth Championships in 2006 and 2010 in Australia and narrowly missed out on medals, but to finally win one as a veteran is a joy I will cherish for a long time.

“This shows that with determination nothing is impossible. I am proud that Nigeria picked up several medals this time, and the performance of our young fencers, alongside our wheelchair athletes, proves that fencing is a serious sport Nigeria must embrace as an Olympic discipline.”

Beyond his personal success, Samuel praised the tournament’s organisation, calling it the best Commonwealth Championships ever hosted.

As CFC president, he said that his priority now is to see fencing reinstated at the Commonwealth Games.

He also emphasised the importance of collaboration between the International Fencing Federation (FIE) and the CFC to deepen the sport across the region and elevate its profile in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, India reaffirmed their dominance as the leading fencing nation in the Commonwealth, amassing 20 gold, 17 silver, and 16 bronze medals at the six-day tournament hosted by Rugby School Nigeria in Atlantic City, Victoria Island. England followed in second place with three gold, two silver, and nine bronze medals.

Host nation Nigeria achieved its best international performance to date, finishing third overall with one gold, three silver, and 13 bronze medals—making it the top-performing African team among the 20 nations represented.

Wales and Cyprus each secured one gold medal, but Wales edged into fourth place with an additional bronze. Australia, South Africa, and Northern Ireland also featured on the medals table, with Australia collecting two silver and four bronze, South Africa two silver and one bronze, and Northern Ireland one bronze.

he tournament concludes today with an elaborate closing ceremony blending fencing and culture—a fitting finale to a championship that has elevated the sport’s profile across the Commonwealth.