Nigeria Finish Fourth as 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships Ends in Lagos
Nigeria finished fourh overall at the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships in Lagos, recording its best-ever performance at the competition and emerging as the highest-ranked African nation among 20 participating countries.
The six-day championship, hosted by Rugby School Nigeria in Atlantic City, Victoria Island, ended on Friday with India dominating the medal table with 25 gold, 20 silver, and 18 bronze medals.
England secured second place with three gold, two silver, and nine bronze medals, while Wales edged Nigeria into fourth with a late gold in the men’s veteran sabre. South Africa rounded out the top five with one gold, three silver, and one bronze.
Nigeria’s historic campaign was further highlighted by the performance of Adeyinka Samuel, President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation and newly elected President of the Commonwealth Fencing Federation (CFC), who won silver in the men’s veteran sabre.
Samuel became the first Nigerian and African to lead the CFC and the first Nigerian sabre fencer to win a medal at the Commonwealth Fencing Championships.
Returning to competitive action after 13 years away from the piste, Samuel won three of his four bouts against opponents from Wales, Australia and Nigeria.
His only defeat came against eventual champion Oliver Massey of Wales.
“I am so happy. I featured in two Commonwealth Championships, 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,” Samuel said.
He also praised the organisation of the Lagos championship, describing it as the best Commonwealth Fencing Championships ever hosted.
As CFC President, Samuel said he would prioritise efforts to restore fencing to the Commonwealth Games while seeking stronger collaboration between the International Fencing Federation and the CFC.
The closing ceremony combined fencing with Nigerian culture, bringing the landmark Lagos championship to an end.
