Adeyinka Samuel makes history with Commonwealth Fencing silver
Nigeria Fencing Federation President Adeyinka Samuel has made history after winning a silver medal in the men’s veteran sabre event at the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships in Lagos.
Samuel returned to competitive fencing for the first time in 13 years and produced an impressive run, winning three of his four bouts, including a victory over fellow Nigerian Tonye Sawari.
His only defeat came against Wales’ Oliver Massey, who went on to claim the gold medal.
The result makes Samuel the first Nigerian sabre fencer to win a medal at the Commonwealth Fencing Championships and also marks the first fencing medal of his career.
Reflecting on the achievement, Samuel said the medal was particularly special after previously coming close to a podium finish at the Commonwealth Championships in Australia.
“I am so happy. I featured in two Commonwealth Championships, in 2006 and 2010 in Australia, and narrowly missed out on medals. To finally win one as a veteran is a joy I will cherish for a long time,” Samuel said.
The CFC president said his comeback demonstrated that determination could overcome setbacks, while also applauding Nigeria’s young fencers and wheelchair athletes for their performances.
Samuel described the 2026 championship as the best Commonwealth Championships ever hosted, while highlighting his priorities for the sport, including efforts to return fencing to the Commonwealth Games and strengthen collaboration between the International Fencing Federation (FIE) and the Commonwealth Fencing Federation.
Nigeria also enjoyed a strong overall campaign, finishing third on the medal table with one gold, three silver and 13 bronze medals, making the country the highest-ranked African nation among the 20 participating countries.
India topped the standings with 20 gold, 17 silver and 16 bronze medals, while England finished second with three gold, two silver and nine bronze.
Wales and Cyprus each won one gold medal, while Australia, South Africa and Northern Ireland also made the medal table.
The championship concludes on Friday, August 14, with a closing ceremony that will blend fencing with elements of Nigerian culture.
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