The Nigeria Fencing Federation has announced a 12-member para fencing team for the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships.
The tournament will take place from August 9 to 14 at Rugby School Nigeria in Atlantic City, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The squad includes six male and six female athletes. They will represent Nigeria in the para fencing events.
Nigeria Set to Make History
The 2026 edition will be a historic one for African fencing.
It will be the first time Nigeria hosts the Commonwealth Fencing Championships.
It will also be the first senior fencing tournament held in Africa.
The men’s team includes Oduneye Opeoluwa, Adibe Bright, Owolabi Daniel, Ajani Idowu, Adeniji Michael and Owoyele Damilola.
Meanwhile, the women’s team features Obilor Chidinma, Rahamon Abiola, Iorguna Joy, Ezeamwafor Esther, Otun Joyce and Kumuyi Itunu.
Notably, all six female athletes will make their debut at the championships.
Academy to Prepare Athletes
Before the competition begins, the 2026 Wheelchair Fencing Academy will hold in Lagos from August 5 to 7.
World Abilitysport is organising the programme in partnership with the Commonwealth Fencing Federation and the Nigeria Fencing Federation.
The three-day academy will cover coaching, athlete training, classification, competition rules and referee education.
In addition, World Para Fencing Coaching Representative Ivan Schwantes will lead the training sessions.
After the academy, participants from different Commonwealth countries will compete in the foil and epee events.
Officials Back Inclusive Fencing
World Abilitysport Acting Chief Executive Officer Harry Cootes said the academy will help expand opportunities for athletes with disabilities.
He explained that the programme has supported athletes and coaches in emerging fencing nations over the past five years.
Furthermore, he said bringing the academy to Africa for the first time would strengthen international partnerships and improve athlete development.
He also thanked the Commonwealth Fencing Federation and the Nigeria Fencing Federation for supporting the growth of para fencing across the Commonwealth.
