Nigeria unveil 12-member Para Fencing team for Commonwealth Championship in Lagos
Nigeria has named a 12-member para fencing team for the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships, set to take place from August 9 to 14 at Rugby School Nigeria, Atlantic City, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The championship will make history as the first time the prestigious Commonwealth event is being hosted in Nigeria and, more significantly, the first senior fencing tournament ever staged on African soil.
The Nigerian contingent comprises six male and six female athletes who will compete in the para events of the competition. Leading the men's team are Oduneye Opeoluwa, Adibe Bright, Owolabi Daniel, Ajani Idowu, Adeniji Michael, and Owoyele Damilola.
The women's squad features Obilor Chidinma, Rahamon Abiola, Iorguna Joy, Ezeamwafor Esther, Otun Joyce, and Kumuyi Itunu, all of whom will be making their maiden appearance at the Commonwealth Championships.
Ahead of the tournament, Lagos will also host the 2026 Wheelchair Fencing Academy (ENABLE Academy) from August 5 to 7. Organised by World Abilitysport in partnership with the Commonwealth Fencing Federation and the Nigeria Fencing Federation, the three-day programme is designed to develop athletes, coaches, and officials while promoting the growth of wheelchair fencing across the Commonwealth.
Participants will undergo intensive training in coaching methods, competition rules, athlete classification, and technical development. The Academy will also include a specialised seminar for aspiring referees, with sessions facilitated by World Para Fencing Coaching Representative, Ivan Schwantes.
Following the training camp, athletes from Commonwealth nations will battle for honours in both individual and team foil and epee events during the Championships.
Acting Chief Executive Officer of World Abilitysport, Harry Cootes, described the initiative as a major step towards making fencing more accessible to persons with disabilities around the world.
According to him, the Wheelchair Fencing Academy, now in its fifth year, has become an important platform for developing athletes and coaches in emerging fencing nations. He expressed optimism that hosting this year's programme in Africa for the first time would inspire greater participation across the region.
Cootes added that beyond training, the Academy provides athletes and officials with valuable international exposure, helping more countries build competitive para fencing programmes capable of producing world-class talent. He also commended the Commonwealth Fencing Federation and the Nigeria Fencing Federation for their collaboration in bringing the landmark event to Lagos.
With history on the horizon, Nigeria will be looking to make the most of home advantage as it welcomes the Commonwealth's finest para fencers for a groundbreaking championship on African soil.
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