Nigeria to Host 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championship

Nigeria will host the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championship, marking a significant milestone as the first African nation to hold the senior edition of the championship. Mari-François Dufour, President of the Commonwealth Fencing Federation (CFF), expressed confidence in Nigeria's readiness, citing extensive preparations and support structures established ahead of the tournament scheduled for August in Lagos.

The CFF's selection process involved a thorough review of multiple bids to ensure Nigeria could meet the federation's organizational and technical requirements. Dufour noted that the CFF's technical committee conducted 20 virtual meetings and a local site visit to assess the readiness of the host country.

The tournament is expected to attract athletes from 16 countries, including Australia, England, India, South Africa, Singapore, and Ghana, with Nigeria introducing 23 categories to boost participation. The CFF will provide technical expertise and oversight throughout the process to ensure the event meets international standards.