Beyond highlighting Nigeria’s capacity to host international sporting events, the President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation (NFF), Adeyinka Samuel, believes the upcoming African Senior Fencing Championships will create vital opportunities for Nigerian athletes to shine on home soil, earn medals, and secure points they need for an Olympic ticket.

Nigeria will host the 23rd edition of the African Fencing Championships at Charterhouse, Lagos, from June 25 to 29. The NFF is confident the tournament will serve as a pivotal moment for Nigerian fencing, potentially ending the nation’s long-standing medal drought at the continental level.

With a promising roster of athletes, the federation views this year’s championship as a potential turning point.

Speaking over the weekend, Samuel noted that the sport is enjoying a resurgence in Nigeria, powered by a new generation of talented fencers gaining valuable experience from international competitions.

“On a personal note, as a former athlete, I vividly remember competing at the Senior African Championships in Morocco in 2008, where I narrowly missed out on a medal,” Samuel said. “To now host this same event as federation president is the culmination of years of sacrifice, dedication, and a shared vision for Nigerian fencing.

“This is not just a tournament—it’s a gift to our fencing community and a legacy moment for our young, aspiring athletes.”

As part of its build-up to the championship, Team Nigeria has recruited an international coach from Italy, conducted joint training camps with other African nations, and provided targeted support in key areas including nutrition, physical conditioning, and mental preparation.

Samuel emphasized that the Federation’s goals go beyond podium finishes. “It’s also about inspiring the next generation of Nigerian fencers,” he said.

Nonetheless, the NFF is optimistic about medal prospects, with Samuel predicting that Team Nigeria is on track to win at least two medals, despite stiff competition expected from across the continent.

One of the standout athletes to watch is U.S.-based Peluola Akinbamiro, who will be competing in her first-ever tournament on Nigerian soil.