Nigeria Finishes Fourth as Historic Commonwealth Fencing Championships End in Lagos

By Dorcas Francis Koji

Nigeria has concluded a historic hosting of the Commonwealth Fencing Championships in Lagos, becoming the first African nation to stage a senior-level edition of the competition.

Held at Rugby School Nigeria, Eko Atlantic City, the six-day championships brought together 20 nations and showcased Nigeria’s growing influence in fencing while highlighting the country’s ability to host a major international sporting event.

Team Nigeria finished fourth overall after an impressive campaign that produced one gold, five silver and 18 bronze medals.

The standout performer was 17-year-old Oghenegaren Osievwa-Thompson, who made history by winning Nigeria’s first-ever international gold medal in fencing.

Nigeria also enjoyed a breakthrough in wheelchair fencing, with the country’s debutant wheelchair team contributing significantly to the medal haul and securing several silver and bronze medals during the competition.

India emerged as the dominant force at the championships, finishing top of the medal table with 25 gold, 20 silver and 18 bronze medals. Their impressive campaign ended with a clean sweep by their wheelchair team on the final day.

England finished second with three gold, two silver and nine bronze medals, while Wales moved ahead of Nigeria late in the competition after winning gold in the men’s veteran sabre.

South Africa completed the top five with one gold, three silver and one bronze medal.

The championships also underlined the international appeal of fencing, with Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Australia and Singapore among the nations that also secured medals in Lagos.

At the closing ceremony, Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, praised the Nigeria Fencing Federation for successfully delivering the championship and helping to position Nigeria on the international fencing map.

Olopade commended the federation, led by Adeyinka Samuel, and pledged continued government support for the development of the sport in Nigeria.

The Nigerian team was also rewarded with cash prizes in recognition of its impressive performance on home soil.

Samuel, who was recently elected as the first African president of the Commonwealth Fencing Federation, also celebrated Nigeria’s progress. He was himself part of the medal-winning campaign, securing silver in the men’s veteran sabre.

The successful championships represent a significant milestone for Nigerian fencing, particularly following the historic gold medal won by Osievwa-Thompson and the strong showing by the country’s wheelchair athletes.

With Nigeria finishing fourth against established fencing nations from across the Commonwealth, the Lagos championships have provided a major platform for the country to build on its growing reputation and inspire a new generation of fencers.