Nigeria has announced a 12-member para fencing team for the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships, with the athletes set to compete on home soil in a landmark edition of the tournament.

The championship, scheduled for August 9 to 14, will take place at Rugby School Nigeria in Atlantic City, Victoria Island, Lagos.

It will be the first time Nigeria hosts the Commonwealth Fencing Championships, making it a historic occasion for both the country and the African continent.

The squad features an equal number of male and female athletes, reflecting the Nigeria Fencing Federation’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and equal representation in the sport.

Many of the selected fencers will be making their first appearance at the prestigious competition, where they will test themselves against some of the Commonwealth’s finest para athletes.

Ahead of the championship, Lagos will also host the 2026 Wheelchair Fencing Academy from August 5 to 7.

The development programme will bring together athletes, coaches, and referees for intensive training sessions designed to improve technical skills, coaching methods, classification knowledge, and officiating standards.

International experts are expected to lead the workshops, providing participants with valuable experience while helping emerging fencing nations strengthen their programmes.

The initiative aims to increase participation in wheelchair fencing and create more opportunities for athletes with disabilities to compete at elite level.

The championships will feature both individual and team events in the foil and epee disciplines, giving Nigeria’s representatives an opportunity to showcase their talent before a home crowd.

Hosting the competition is widely regarded as another major milestone for Nigerian fencing, with officials hopeful it will inspire greater investment in para sports and encourage more athletes to take up the discipline across the country.