Pat Aiyenuro predicts battle for medals at 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships in Lagos
President of British Fencing, Pat Aiyenuro, believes the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships in Lagos will usher in a new era of greater competition, predicting a more even distribution of medals as the dominance of a single nation continues to decline.
The championships will be held from August 9 to 14 at Rugby School in Atlantic City, Lagos, making history as Nigeria becomes the first African nation to host the senior edition of the prestigious tournament.
Athletes, officials and executives from across the Commonwealth are expected to converge on Lagos for what promises to be a landmark championship.
At the previous edition in London in 2022, England topped the medal standings with an impressive haul of 57 medals, including 22 gold. However, Aiyenuro believes the competitive landscape has changed considerably ahead of this year's event.
"England has consistently been one of the strongest nations in Commonwealth fencing because of the depth of its athlete pathway and the strength of its domestic competition. I expect England to be highly competitive once again," she said.
"However, other Commonwealth countries are now just as competitive. I think there will be a more even spread of medals across nations. Countries such as India, Jamaica, Wales, Australia, South Africa, Canada, Singapore, Mauritius, Kenya and host nation Nigeria have all invested in developing their programmes. I anticipate very competitive contests across all three weapons, and no team can take success for granted."
Aiyenuro, who also serves on the Executive Committee of the International Fencing Federation (FIE), commended Nigeria's growing reputation for hosting international sporting events and its commitment to developing fencing across the country.
She noted that bringing the championships to Lagos represents far more than a race for medals, describing it as a major opportunity to raise the profile of the sport, strengthen international partnerships and accelerate fencing development in Africa.
According to her, the tournament will help improve coaching and officiating standards, create valuable opportunities for volunteers, and further establish Nigeria as a capable host of major international competitions.
She also expressed confidence that the event will inspire a new generation of fencers while deepening collaboration among Commonwealth nations, setting the stage for one of the most competitive editions of the championships to date.
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