By TUNMISE OMOSOFE

Lagos, Aug. 14, 2026 (NAN) Nigeria finished fourth at the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships with one gold, five silver and 18 bronze medals.

The week-long championships were held at Rugby School Nigeria, Eko Atlantic, Lagos, attracting athletes and officials from 20 countries.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oghenegaren Esiovwa-Thompson secured Nigeria’s only gold medal, becoming the country’s first Commonwealth Fencing Championships gold medallist.

India topped the medal standings with 25 gold, 20 silver and 18 bronze medals, recording a total of 63 medals.

England placed second with three gold, two silver and nine bronze medals, while Wales finished third with two gold, one silver and three bronze medals.

In spite of placing fourth, Nigeria achieved the second-highest overall medal tally with 24 medals across all categories.

President of the Commonwealth Fencing Federation, Adeyinka Samuel, expressed satisfaction with the successful conclusion of the championships.

“It’s been a great event. I’m really happy. We started, we ended. We were planning for this for over a year.

“To have gotten to this stage and to pull it off, we’re very, very excited. It’s a very complex competition to host,” he said.

Samuel said organisers encountered several challenges but addressed them individually, ensuring the smooth delivery of the championships.

He said the wheelchair fencing academy organised before the championships successfully promoted the sport in Nigeria and across Africa.

According to him, the academy was conducted with World Abilitysport and certified referees and coaches from Nigeria and other African countries.

Samuel described his election on Aug. 8 as a great honour and pledged to unite the federation’s 40 registered Commonwealth countries.

He said his administration would focus on developing fencing throughout the Commonwealth and strengthening collaboration among member nations.

Samuel noted that Nigeria’s first-ever gold medal added excitement and significance to the championships.

The federation president, who also competed, described his silver medal as particularly memorable after last competing in Italy in 2012.

“I’ve always loved fencing. I won over 30 medals for Nigeria, 21 gold medals and the rest silver and bronze.

“At the time, I was the highest-ranked fencer in Britain and the highest world-ranked fencer there,” he said.

Samuel said fencing remained a lifelong passion and a source of relaxation despite his administrative responsibilities.

“So, I love fencing and it sort of distresses me as well. Once I put the mask on, I forget everything,” he said.

He said relocating to Nigeria prompted him to focus on developing the sport because there were few active fencers.

“When I moved to Nigeria, I had to develop the sport because there were not that many fencers,” he said.

Samuel described his return to competitive fencing as memorable and expressed delight at winning a silver medal.

He said: “I’m very happy, very grateful. I won a silver medal, so that’s also very good. I’m happy, although I woke up with a lot of pains, but I’m happy and excited.”

Samuel thanked participating countries, the local organising committee, sponsors, Rugby School Nigeria and other stakeholders for their support.

He also acknowledged the Commonwealth fencing body, officials, teams and participants for contributing to the success of the championships.

The federation president commended the Lagos State Government and National Sports Commission for supporting the competition.

He specifically thanked the Lagos State Governor and NSC Director-General, Bukola Olopade, for attending the closing ceremony.

Samuel said some invited dignitaries were unable to attend because of unforeseen circumstances, including airport-related challenges.

He praised volunteers and the media team for their contributions to the organisation and promotion of the championships.

“The media team deserves a round of applause. They have been amazing throughout the competition,” he said.

Samuel also appreciated sponsors, noting that their support and belief in the organisers’ vision made the championships possible.

He acknowledged individuals who worked behind the scenes and contributed significantly to the successful staging of the event.

Samuel thanked African teams, particularly South Africa, for attending with one of its largest delegations in recent years.

He also praised the Indian delegation, noting that the federation president ensured the participation of a full squad and officials.

The federation president further thanked Australia and every participating country for helping make the championships successful.

In his closing remarks, Samuel thanked attendees and expressed hope that participants enjoyed their experience in Nigeria.

He encouraged first-time participants to remain part of the fencing community, describing it as a close-knit global family.

“We’re a great family and a great bunch of people. Even though it’s global, it’s still a small community,” he said.

Samuel thanked everyone who contributed to the championships and formally declared the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships closed. (NAN)

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