Nigeria is in the running to host the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships as it prepares to welcome participants for the 2024 Men’s Junior Epee World Cup this weekend.
The Commonwealth Fencing Federation (CFF) has sent a team to observe the event, which will take place on December 14-15 at Charterhouse Lagos. This evaluation is part of the process to decide which country will secure the hosting rights for the 2026 championship.
Peter Smith, Chairman of the Technical Committee of the CFF, will be in Lagos for the two-day tournament to assess Nigeria’s organizational capacity and facilities.
Adeyinka Samuel, President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation, emphasized the importance of the visit. “The CFF’s decision to send its Technical Committee Chairman to assess our readiness for a major 2026 tournament is a testament to our progress. We aim to rival North African countries in terms of hosting major events in Africa,” Samuel said.
Charterhouse Lagos, the venue for the World Cup, has pledged full support for Nigeria’s bid. John Todd, the Head of School, highlighted their commitment, saying, “We have world-class facilities and are seeking partnerships with top-tier sports organizations. This partnership aligns with our core values and offers an excellent opportunity for our school to nurture talent.”
The outcome of this visit will play a crucial role in determining whether Nigeria secures the hosting rights for the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships.
