Nigeria is set to host the 2024 Fencing World Cup in Lagos from December 14 to 15 at the Charterhouse in Lagos.
The prestigious international tournament marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey as a leader in Sub-Saharan Africa’s fencing community, with the Men’s Epee World Cup being a landmark achievement for the Nigerian Fencing Federation.
Nigeria was also awarded the rights to host five international tournaments between 2024 and 2026, including three Junior World Cup Men’s Epee Tournaments and the Senior African Championship in June 2025.
The federation is also the leading candidate to host the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championship in July.
The President of the Nigerian Fencing Federation, Adeyinka Samuel highlighted the importance of the partnership with Charterhouse.
He said: “Nigerian Fencing is delighted to partner with Charterhouse Lagos, gaining access to a world-class sports facility that will elevate our ability to host premier events.
“While we have proudly hosted numerous international competitions, securing a state-of-the-art facility has been a significant hurdle. With this partnership, Nigerian Fencing, the frontrunner in hosting international tournaments in Sub-Saharan Africa, is now positioned to confidently pursue even more international tournaments, knowing we have a venue that meets the highest global standards.”
Similarly, the Head of Charterhouse Lagos, John Todd also expressed his delight with the partnership.
He said: “Charterhouse is proud to serve as a premier venue for these distinguished international events, reflecting our commitment to supporting world-class athletic excellence and fostering cultural exchange through sport.”
Nigeria’s highly-rated fencer, Wisdom Okanlawon is expected to lead the team alongside his teammates, Shemilore Fashola, Olumuyiwa Ige, Bade Martins, Kiibaati Opasanya, and the Idongesit siblings, Mahadi and Mahathir.
The event will feature formidable fencing nations such as the United States, Hong Kong, Egypt, Ghana, Senegal, Greece, and Saudi Arabia.
The Egyptian team, led by Eslam Osama, aims to build on their previous success and secure valuable world-ranking points.
The International Fencing Federation has appointed Donald Anthony, its vice president from the United States, to oversee the event. Additionally, Peter Smith, chairman of the Technical Committee of the Commonwealth Fencing Board, will assess Nigeria’s capacity to host the Commonwealth Championship in 2025.
Nigeria is the first Sub-Saharan African country to host a fencing World Cup.
Fencing is a combat sport that features sword fighting.
The three disciplines of modern fencing are the foil, the épée, and the sabre, each discipline uses a different kind of blade, which shares the same name, and employs its own rules.
