Nigeria names 12-member para team for Commonwealth Fencing Championships
by Adenle Ahmed Abiola · The Eagle OnlineThe Nigeria Fencing Federation has unveiled a 12-member para squad for the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships scheduled to hold from August 9 to 14 at Rugby School Nigeria, Atlantic City, Victoria Island.
The squad, comprising six men and six women, will represent Nigeria in the para events as the country prepares to host the prestigious competition for the first time.
The Championships will also mark the first senior fencing tournament to be staged in Africa.
Nigeria’s men’s squad comprises Oduneye Opeoluwa, Adibe Bright, Owolabi Daniel, Ajani Idowu, Adeniji Michael and Owoyele Damilola.
Obilor Chidinma, Rahamon Abiola, Iorguna Joy, Ezeamwafor Esther, Otun Joyce and Kumuyi Itunu make up the women’s team.
All 12 fencers are set to make their debut at the tournament.
Ahead of the Championships, World Abilitysport, in collaboration with the Commonwealth Fencing Federation and the Nigeria Fencing Federation, will stage the 2026 Wheelchair Fencing Academy, also known as the ENABLE Academy, in Lagos from August 5 to 7.
The three-day training camp will cover different aspects of wheelchair fencing, with participants expected to improve their training and coaching techniques while gaining knowledge of rules and classification.
The programme will also provide opportunities for participants to strengthen connections with their peers, while aspiring referees will take part in a dedicated education seminar.
World Para Fencing’s Coaching Representative, Ivan Schwantes, will lead the sessions.
Following the Academy, participants from Commonwealth nations will compete in individual and team events in foil and epee at the Championships.
Acting Chief Executive Officer of World Abilitysport, Harry Cootes, said staging the Academy in Africa for the first time represents another step towards expanding opportunities for athletes with disabilities.
He said: “A driving force behind our work is to ensure that fencing is open to as many people with disabilities as possible.
“The Wheelchair Fencing Academy – now entering its fifth year – has provided a platform for many athletes and coaches in new countries, and we hope to achieve the same impact with this edition, being held in the African region for the first time.”
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Cootes said the Academy would also give emerging fencing nations an opportunity to develop international connections, acquire knowledge and work towards competing at the highest level.
He added: “Ultimately, what we are aiming for is more athletes and countries to compete at the highest levels, and the Academy and targeted competitions are where that starts.
“Our thanks go to the Commonwealth Fencing Federation for a great collaboration and the Nigeria Fencing Federation for hosting, as well as our educators for generously sharing their skills and experience to help build Para fencing around the world.”
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