By VIVIAN AHANMISI

No fewer than 250 athletes from more than 20 countries will compete at the Commonwealth Fencing Championships in Lagos from Sunday, Aug. 9, to Friday, Aug. 14.

President of the Nigerian Fencing Federation, Adeyinka Samuel, disclosed this on Saturday at a press conference held at Rugby School, Eko Atlantic City.

Samuel said Nigeria was ready to host a successful championship and expressed confidence that the country’s athletes would capitalise on home advantage.

He said the Nigerian team had prepared extensively and possessed the quality needed to challenge for medals across several categories.

“I think we have a good chance. We have a number of athletes that are very strong and have been training hard.

“They are focused, hungry to win and determined. All these qualities give them a very good chance of success,” he said.

Samuel said Nigeria was targeting medals in the under-23, veterans and wheelchair fencing events, with ambitions of winning gold.

“We are hopeful that we’ll get medals in the under-23s, veterans and wheelchair fencing. We are hopeful and we’re going for gold,” he said.

The federation president said the championship had attracted about 350 entries across under-23, senior, veteran and wheelchair categories.

He noted that organisers had prioritised technical compliance, logistics and athlete welfare to ensure a smooth competition.

“The first thing is ensuring we are technically compliant as stated in the bid. That is very important for hosting successfully,” he said.

Samuel added that transportation, venue operations and officials’ coordination had been carefully planned to guarantee seamless movement throughout the tournament.

He also assured participants of adequate medical coverage, including emergency response services throughout the competition.

“There is a medical team, first aid support and a standby ambulance to ensure emergencies are handled quickly,” he said.

Meanwhile, Commonwealth Fencing Federation President, Marie-France Dufour, described the Lagos championship as a milestone event for the sport.

Dufour noted that the competition marked a decade since the championships were last hosted in Africa, in Cape Town, South Africa.

She said Lagos would continue the tradition of innovation by introducing under-23 individual events for the first time.

Dufour added that wheelchair fencing would become a full medal event after being staged as a demonstration competition in London in 2022.

She said: “Lagos carries that spirit of firsts further still.

“Working hand in hand with the Nigerian Fencing Federation, we have set out to give every athlete a memorable stay and world-class venue.”

She urged participants to embrace friendship, respect and sportsmanship throughout the championships.

“Some must prevail, but all are invited to share in the spirit of the Commonwealth,” Dufour said.

Nigerian MP fencer, Wisdom Okanlawo, also expressed optimism about his medal prospects at the championships.

“Representing your country is an honour. I’m really happy representing Nigeria in this competition.

“It won’t be easy because countries have brought their best athletes, but I hope to give my best and win a medal,” he said.

Okanlawo credited fencing for creating educational and travel opportunities and thanked his family and federation officials for their support.

A member of the Local Organising Committee, Olaitan Ogunbiyi, described Nigeria’s hosting rights as a significant achievement for the sport.

He said staging the championships required extensive planning and support from government, sponsors, media organisations and parents.

Ogunbiyi added that the competition would provide a valuable platform for athletes from across the Commonwealth to compete at elite level. (NAN)

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